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Italian Eggplant
Inventory, 10 lbs : 0
This item was last sold on : 06/04/23
Description/Taste
Italian eggplants are oblong and small to medium in size, averaging 20-25 centimeters in length, and have a bulbous base that tapers slightly to the stem. The outer skin is glossy, smooth, and ranges in color from lavender to a deep purple. The inner flesh is firm, white or ivory with barely visible, edible seeds patterned throughout. When cooked, Italian eggplants are tender and creamy with a rich flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Italian eggplants are available year-round.
Current Facts
Italian eggplants, botanically classified as Solanum melongena, are members of the nightshade family, Solanaceae, which contains over 3000 species along with tomatoes and potatoes. Although grown and treated as a vegetable, eggplant is in fact a fruit, as it bears seeds within its flesh. Also known as melanzana in Italian, the Romans who were initially suspicious of the fruit, gave the eggplant its name which stems from mela insane, translating to the apple of insanity. Italian eggplants are characterized by their size, shape, and coloring. Popular Italian eggplant varieties include Traviata, Naida, Rosa Bianca, and Nubia.
Nutritional Value
Italian eggplants are a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, fiber, and potassium. They also contain high levels of anthocyanins, a pigment not only responsible for the fruit's skin coloring, but it is also loaded with antioxidant properties.
Applications
Italian eggplants are best suited for cooked applications such as frying, baking, sautéing, grilling, and pickling. Italian eggplants benefit from its porous texture, allowing it to absorb accompanying flavors with ease. It can be sliced and fried or grilled and used in eggplant parmigiana and pasta dishes. It can also be grilled and served with mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, and olive oil as a fresh appetizer. Italian eggplant pairs well with tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, parmesan and mozzarella cheese, onions, garlic, herbs such as basil, arugula and oregano, capers, green olives, pine nuts, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and grilled steak, veal, and lamb. Italian eggplants will keep up to three days when stored in a cool and dry place. Refrigeration should be avoided as Italian eggplants can suffer chill damage from frigid temperatures.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Eggplant has long been a classic ingredient in Italian cuisine. Originally introduced by Arabs traveling to Sicily, Italian farmers embraced eggplants making them a symbolic vegetable of the culture. As Italian cuisine is dominated by the seasons, eggplants are one of the most popular vegetables of the summer and are used in dishes such as eggplant parmesan, caponata, and pasta alla Norma. These dishes mix fresh vegetables, tomatoes, and olive oils to create savory, full-bodied meatless dishes. Another popular dish is melanzane sott'olio, which is pickled eggplant, and is commonly served with cold cuts, tomatoes, and bread.
Geography/History
Though the name Italian eggplant eludes to these eggplants being native to Italy, their heritage lies further east in India and China, where the first domestication of Solanum melongena occurred. Arabs and the trade routes brought eggplants to the warm southern climates of Italy in the 9th century and then to the rest of Europe in the 17th century. Today, Italian eggplants are available in farmers markets and specialty grocers in Asia, the United States, Europe, and South America.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Carte Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-365-1858 |
| Park Commons - ARE | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Born & Raised | San Diego CA | 619-944-1631 |
| Harbor View Hotel Ventures, LLC | San Diego CA | 619-239-6800 |
| Convention Center Shell | San Diego CA | 619-954-3063 |
| The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens Banquets | Escondido CA | 760-294-7866 |
| The Guild Bar | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| Hotel Del Coronado Serea Restaurant | Coronado CA | 619-435-6611 |
| Grass Skirt | San Diego CA | 858-412-5237 |
| Qero | Encinitas CA | Chris 702-334-8845 |
| Saiko Sushi-Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-0868 |
| Paradisaea Restaurant | La Jolla CA | 732-915-6669 |
| Revolution Roasters | Oceanside CA | 760-330-6827 |
| Hotel Indigo | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| The Pearl Hotel | San Diego CA | 877-732-7573 |
| Viejas Casino Baron Long's | Alpine CA | 619-863-9033 |
| Bernardo Heights Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-487-4022 |
| Jeune Et Jolie | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (Banquets) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
| Cesarina | San Diego CA | 619-226-6222 |
| Ballast Point Rest. - Miramar | San Diego CA | 858-790-6900 |
| Brigantine Imperial Beach | Imperial Beach CA | 619-591-1350 |
| Mister A's | San Diego CA | 619-239-1377 |
| Nomad Donuts | San Diego CA | 619-431-5000 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Harmony Cuisine 2B1 | San Diego CA | 858-737-4777 |
| Food by Chef Ty | Vista CA | 323-506-1890 |
| Hommage Bakehouse | San Diego CA | 619-559-8351 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Italian Eggplant. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
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Leucadia Farmer's Market
Near Encinitas, California, United StatesAbout 127 days ago, 1/29/23 Sharer's comments : at Rodney Kawano Farms 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 274 days ago, 9/04/22 Sharer's comments : Italian Eggplant from Fresno Evergreen 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 274 days ago, 9/04/22 Sharer's comments : Italian Eggplant from Fresno Evergreen 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesFresno, CA 1-559-385-4959 About 348 days ago, 6/22/22 
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Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 351 days ago, 6/19/22 Sharer's comments : Italian Eggplant from Fresno Evergreen 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 352 days ago, 6/18/22 Sharer's comments : Italian Eggplant from Fresno Evergreen 
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Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 610 days ago, 10/03/21 Sharer's comments : Italian eggplant from Fresno Evergreen 
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SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 626 days ago, 9/17/21 Sharer's comments : Italian eggplant from Fresno evergreen 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 661 days ago, 8/13/21 Sharer's comments : Italian eggplant 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 673 days ago, 8/01/21 
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SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 708 days ago, 6/27/21 Sharer's comments : Italian eggplant from Fresno evergreen 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen Farm
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 712 days ago, 6/23/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 724 days ago, 6/11/21 Sharer's comments : Italian eggplant from Fresno Evergreen 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen Farm
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 726 days ago, 6/09/21 |
