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Italian Eggplant
Inventory, 10 lbs : 86.99
This item was last sold on : 12/10/23
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.
| La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-7126 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (Banquets) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Oside Kitchen Collaborative | Oceanside CA | 619-807-7161 mike |
| The Shores | La Jolla CA | 858-459-8271 |
| Vi At La Jolla Village | San Diego CA | 858-646-7700 |
| Barrel & Board | San Diego CA | 619-379-2574 |
| Campfire | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5121 |
| Wormwood | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| Sorority Cuisine - Gamma Phi Beta | San Diego CA | 310-634-2371 |
| The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Dining | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
| Hotel Indigo | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Churchill's Pub and Grille | San Marcos CA | 760-471-8773 |
| Blind Lady | San Diego CA | 619-381-4475 |
| Botanica | San Diego CA | 619-310-6320 |
| SIE Culinary Management | San Diego CA | 858-964-8677 |
| Il Giardino di Lilli | La Jolla CA | 619-467-9897 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
| Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
| The Farm Golf Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-756-5585 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe (Banquet) | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
| Glenbrook Health Center | Carlsbad CA | 760-704-1000 |
| Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering | San Diego CA | 619-436-7006 |
| Candor | La Jolla CA | 858-581-2205 |
| Kairoa Brewing Company | San Diego CA | 858-735-0051 |
| Great Maple Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-255-2282 |
| Convention Center Shell | San Diego CA | 619-954-3063 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Italian Eggplant. One
is easiest, three is harder.
