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Italian Eggplant
Inventory, 10 lbs : 1.03
This item was last sold on : 01/28/23
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.
| Nomad Donuts | San Diego CA | 619-431-5000 |
| PFC Fitness Camp | Carlsbad CA | 888-488-8936 |
| Blind Lady | San Diego CA | 619-381-4475 |
| Oyster and Pearl Bar Restaurant | La Mesa CA | 619-303-8118 |
| Il Giardino di Lilli | La Jolla CA | 619-467-9897 |
| Harmony Cuisine 2B1 | San Diego CA | 858-737-4777 |
| The Plot | Oceanside CA | 422-266-8200 |
| The Kitchen at MCASD | La Jolla CA | 619-894-2051 |
| Hotel Del Coronado Serea Restaurant | Coronado CA | 619-435-6611 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| SIE Culinary Management | San Diego CA | 858-964-8677 |
| Addison Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-350-7600 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Wheat & Water | La Jolla CA | 858-291-8690 |
| Firefly Beach | San Diego CA | 619-222-6440 |
| Nolita Hall | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| San Diego Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-758-6334 |
| Brigantine Imperial Beach | Imperial Beach CA | 619-591-1350 |
| Del Mar Country Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5500 x207 |
| Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
| Garbatella Osteria Bar | Chula Vista CA | 619-651-1185 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort (Banquets) | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| InterContinental Banquet Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Seneca | San Diego CA | 619-588-2411 |
| The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Known Spoilage | ||
| Catamaran | San Diego CA | 858-488-1081 |
| Pizza Cassette | San Diego CA | 802-310-5601 |
| Vista Valley | Vista CA | 760-758-2800 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Verbena Kitchen LLC | San Diego CA | 609-458-1672 |
| Village Vino | San Diego CA | 619-546-8466 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Dolce Pane & Vino | Del Mar CA | 858-832-1518 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Italian Eggplant. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Italian Eggplant using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Leucadia Farmer's Market
Near Encinitas, California, United StatesAbout a day ago, 1/29/23 Sharer's comments : at Rodney Kawano Farms 
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Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 147 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 147 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 221 days ago, 6/22/22 
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Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 224 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 225 days ago, 6/18/22 Sharer's comments : Italian Eggplant from Fresno Evergreen 
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Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 483 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 499 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 534 days ago, 8/13/21 Sharer's comments : Italian eggplant 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 546 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 581 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 585 days ago, 6/23/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 597 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 599 days ago, 6/09/21 |
