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Italian Eggplant
Inventory, 10 lbs : 7.96
This item was last sold on : 09/24/22
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.
| Hotel Palomar-Salt Box Banquets | San Diego CA | 619-515-3003 |
| Regents Pizzeria | La Jolla CA | 858-550-0406 |
| Catania La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Humphery's | San Diego CA | 619-224-3577 |
| Hotel Del Coronado Serea Restaurant | Coronado CA | 619-435-6611 |
| Il Giardino di Lilli | La Jolla CA | 619-467-9897 |
| Oyster and Pearl Bar Restaurant | La Mesa CA | 619-303-8118 |
| Carte Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-365-1858 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| Chef Lance Roll | Vista CA | 760-685-2433 |
| Park Commons - ARE | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Cucina Sorella | San Diego CA | 858-232-7808 |
| Hilton Mission Valley | San Diego CA | 619-543-9000 |
| Waverly | Cardiff CA | 619-244-0416 |
| Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District | El Cajon CA | 619-644-7585 |
| Firefly Beach | San Diego CA | 619-222-6440 |
| Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
| Kitchens For Good | San Diego CA | 619-450-4040 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Marisi La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 951-852-6730 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Jeune Et Jolie | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| C 2 C | San Diego CA | 619-972-9345 |
| Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
| Park Hyatt Aviara (Ember & Rye) | Carlsbad CA | 760-448-1234 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Fort Oak | San Diego CA | 619-795-6901 |
| Leichtag Foundation | Encinitas CA | 760-230-6772 |
| Cucina Enoteca | Del Mar CA | 619-239-2222 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Black Radish | San Diego CA | 619-775-7412 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Italian Eggplant. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
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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 21 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 21 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 95 days ago, 6/22/22 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 98 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 99 days ago, 6/18/22 Sharer's comments : Italian Eggplant from Fresno Evergreen 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 357 days ago, 10/03/21 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 373 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 408 days ago, 8/13/21 Sharer's comments : Italian eggplant 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 420 days ago, 8/01/21 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 455 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 459 days ago, 6/23/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 471 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 473 days ago, 6/09/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 702 days ago, 10/23/20 Sharer's comments : Italian Eggplant from Her Produce |
