Purple Eggplant

Estimated Inventory, 18 ct : 23.46
This item was last sold on : 07/17/25

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Description/Taste

Purple eggplants are large, oval-shaped vegetables with a bulbous bottom that slightly narrows towards their green-stemmed top. They measure about 18 to 25 centimeters long and 5 to 12 centimeters wide and have a dark purple-black hue with occasional faint patches of lighter purple. Their thin skin is smooth and shiny, requiring peeling in order to remove. Purple eggplants’ cream-colored flesh has a firm, spongy texture that becomes meltingly tender as it cooks and contains many small edible seeds. Purple eggplants have a mild and sweet flavor with a slight vegetal bitterness.

Seasons/Availability

Purple eggplants are available year-round with a peak season in summer.

Current Facts

Purple eggplants are botanically classified as Solanum melongena and belong to the Solanaceae, or nightshade, family along with potatoes, bell peppers, chilis, and tomatoes. They are technically fruits because they have seeds but are often labeled as vegetables because of how they are used in culinary applications. Purple eggplants are the most common cultivar in the Western world, with many varieties such as Chinese, Fairytale, Sicilian, Indian, Italian, Japanese, and Rosa Bianca eggplants. While most of these varieties are solid purple, others may be covered with varying degrees of white stripes. Although purple is the more common color, eggplants got their name because white varieties resemble eggs. This vegetable is referred to as Terung in Indonesia, Brinjal in Malaysia, Aubergine in France, and Alberengena in Spain. While Purple eggplants are primarily valued for their culinary uses, varieties like Solanum aethiopicum, also known as African eggplants or Pumpkin on a Stick, are grown mainly for their ornamental appeal.

Nutritional Value

The fiber in Purple eggplants supports digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes heart health by lowering cholesterol. The potassium in these vegetables is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure, supporting muscle function, and reducing risk of stroke. Their vitamin C content acts as a powerful antioxidant, boosting the immune system and aiding in the repair and growth of tissues. Vitamin B-6 in eggplants plays a crucial role in brain development and function, as well as in the production of serotonin and norepinephrine, which regulates mood. Purple eggplants contain nasunin, an anthocyanin found in the skin that has potent antioxidant properties, protecting brain cells from oxidative stress and potentially slowing cognitive decline.

Applications

Purple eggplants are best suited for cooked applications such as grilling, pan frying, baking, sauteéing, and roasting. They are popularly breaded and fried into eggplant parmesan or used in pasta, stir-fries, pizzas, calzones, sandwiches, and casseroles. These vegetables are incorporated into foods across the world like ratatouille in France, moussaka in Greece, and baba ganoush in the Middle East. Purple eggplants can also be slow cooked in stews with rice, meats, vegetables, lentils, and noodles. They pair well with tomatoes, squashes, peppers, stewed meats, grilled and baked fish, chicken, chickpeas, lentils, basil, mint, cilantro, parsley, and mozzarella cheese. Purple eggplants will keep for up to three days when stored in a cool and dry place.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

In Northern Europe, eggplants were once called mad apples because they were thought to turn people insane. This was partially because their color caused them to be associated with a toxic dark purple berry plant called the Deadly Nightshade. Eggplants also had a reputation for giving people bad breath. It took centuries for people to accept eggplants as an edible and beneficial culinary ingredient, particularly in the United States. It wasn’t until Thomas Jefferson introduced them as an easily sown and cultivated vegetable that Americans started accepting eggplants into their diets.

Geography/History

Purple eggplants likely originated in China and India, where they have been cultivated for centuries. They flourish in warm climates with rich, sandy soils and full sun exposure. They can be found in the wild and in naturalized settings on commercial farms and home gardens. Purple eggplants were introduced into Southern and Eastern Europe by the Spanish Moors. They were brought to America in the 1500s but didn’t catch on until centuries later. Common Purple eggplant varieties with a large, oblong shape can be found at most supermarkets in the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America. Thinner, elongated eggplant varieties may be sourced from Asian and international specialty stores or farmers' markets.

Featured Restaurants

Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.

Pizza Cassette	San Diego CA	802-310-5601
Rosemary Trattoria	Coronado CA	619-669-8435
SIE Culinary Management	San Diego CA	858-964-8677
Madison	San Diego CA	619-822-3465
Ketch Grill and Taps	San Diego CA	858-268-1030
Urban Kitchen Catering	San Diego CA	619-276-8803
Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20)	Carlsbad CA	760-827-2400
Little Lion	San Diego CA	619-519-4079
Red Tail Catering	San Marcos CA	858-605-8219
Manhattan of La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-459-0700
Cellar Hand	San Diego CA	334-689-2388
Caffe Calabria Coffee Roasting Company	San Diego CA	619-683-7787
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest	San Diego CA	619-380-9840
Firefly Beach	San Diego CA	619-222-6440
Born & Raised	San Diego CA	619-944-1631
Toast Catering	San Diego CA	619-795-9135
Farm Fresh Meals	Vista CA	760-707-2383
Bernini's Bistro	La Jolla CA	858-454-5013
Brigantine Coronado	Coronado CA	619-435-4166
The Market by Buon Appetito	San Diego CA	619-237-1335

the other 95...

Reata Glen	Ladera Ranch CA	949-545-2250
Southwestern Yacht Club	San Diego CA	619-222-0438
Coast Catering	Escondido CA	619-295-3173
333 Pacific	Oceanside CA	760-433-3333
Armonia LLC	San Diego CA	619-724-7210
Park Hyatt Aviara	Carlsbad CA	760-448-1234
Flora Cafe	Bonita CA	619-339-6604
American Pizza Manufacturing	La Jolla CA	858-246-6756
Ulivo	San Diego CA	619-962-7345
Vulture / Dreamboat	San Diego CA	858-342-3609
The Wild Thyme Company	San Diego CA	858-527-0226
Comedor Nishi	La Jolla CA	619-549-9919
Il Giardino di Lilli	La Jolla CA	619-467-9897
Solare Ristorante Lounge	San Diego CA	619-270-9670
Harvest Kitchen	Vista CA	619-709-0938
Finca North Park	San Diego CA	619-581-3003
Kona Kai Resort and Marina	San Diego CA	619-221-8000
Herb & Wood	San Diego CA	520-205-1288
Tom Hams Light House	San Diego CA	619-291-9110
Isola La Jolla	La Jolla CA	858-412-5566
Mission Pacific	Oceanside CA	760-450-7864
Pamplemousse Grill	Solana Beach CA	858-792-9090
Tartine	Coronado CA	619-435-4323
BFD-Big Front Door	San Diego CA	619-723-8183
Trattoria I Trulli	Encinitas CA	760-277-9826
Piatti	San Diego CA	858-454-1589
Bernardo Heights Country Club	San Diego CA	858-487-4022
C 2 C	San Diego CA	619-972-9345
Sushi Nekosan	La Jolla CA	858-999-0999
Alila Marea Beach Resort	Encinitas CA	805-539-9719
La Jolla Country Club	San Diego CA	858-454-9601
Feast and Fareway	Coronado CA	619-356-5444
De La Vina	San Diego CA	619-990-6124
Tahona (Kitchen)	San Diego CA	619-573-0289
Fishery	San Diego CA	858-272-9985
Ridgeview Health Center	San Diego CA	858-293-3950
Pacific Yacht Agents	Los Angeles CA	808-214-0970
Higher Grounds Coffee + Cafe	San Diego CA	831-247-5395
Terra Restaurant	San Diego CA	619-293-7088
UCSD Health East campus	San Diego CA	619-578-3373
Solana Beach Kitchen	Solana Beach CA	610-717-7217
Green Acres Campus	San Diego CA	858-450-9907
Trust Restaurant	San Diego CA	609-780-7572
Leucadia Pizza Scripps Ranch	San Diego CA	858-530-2222
Jack & Giulio's	San Diego CA	619-294-2074
Royal Polaris Sportfishing	San Diego CA	619-226-8030
Bencotto Italian Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-822-5493
Crust Pizzeria Solana Beach	Solana Beach CA	858-212-8751
Tavola Nostra Pizzeria E Cucina	San Diego CA	619-921-4206
insideOUT	San Diego CA	619-888-8623
Pacific Regent La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-597-8008
Crust & Brew	San Diego CA	858-212-8751
RoVino Rotisserie + Wine	San Diego CA	619-972-6286
Estancia Adobe	San Diego CA	858-550-1000
Lumi	San Diego CA	619-955-5750
The Guild Hotel	San Diego CA	619-764-5108
UCSD Food & Nutrition Department La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-761-1269
Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-756-1582
The Flavor Chef (Catering)	Vista CA	619-295-3172
Inn at Rancho Santa Fe	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-381-8289
Pete's Seafood and Sandwich	San Diego CA	619-852-1493
Ruth's Chris Steak House DT	San Diego CA	619-233-1422
San Diego Yacht Club	San Diego CA	619-758-6334
Marisi La Jolla	La Jolla CA	951-852-6730
Milton's Delicatessen, Grill & Bakery	Del Mar CA	858-792-2225
InterContinental Vistal Kitchen	San Diego CA	619-501-9400
Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-759-6063
Culinary Concepts	San Diego CA	619-865-1918
Rustic Root	San Diego CA	619-232-1747
Chateau La Jolla	San Diego CA	858-459-4451
Bar Same Same (Kitchen)	Carlsbad CA	760-470-9143
Relic Bageri LLC	San Diego CA	619-335-6328
Georges at the Cove	San Diego CA	858-454-4244
Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort	Carlsbad CA	760-602-0800
Marriott Courtyard - Broadway	San Diego CA	619-446-3008
Parkhouse Eatery	San Diego CA	619 295 7275
Slowly	San Diego CA	858-352-6080
Shoreside Support Boat	San Diego CA	704-277-7929
Glenbrook Health Center	Carlsbad CA	760-704-1000
Sisters Pizza	San Diego CA	858-228-6822
KI's	Encinitas CA	760-586-8289
Comma	San Diego CA	619-802-9183
Park Hyatt Aviara (Ember & Rye)	Carlsbad CA	760-448-1234
Village Pizzeria Bay Side	Coronado CA	619-522-6890
Inn at Rancho Santa Fe (Banquet)	Rancho Santa Fe CA	858-381-8289
Crust Pizzeria Carlsbad 2019	Carlsbad CA	760-944-1111
Olive Tree Marketplace	San Diego CA	619-224-0443
Candor	La Jolla CA	858-581-2205
Isola Pizza Bar	San Diego CA	619-564-2938
264 Fresco (Kitchen)	Carlsbad CA	760-720-3737
Merenda	Oceanside CA	703-459-4145
Villa Capri Poway	Poway CA	858-391-9400
Herb & Sea	Encinitas CA	858-587-6601
Village Pizzaria	Coronado CA	619-522-6890
Leucadia Pizza Point Loma	San Diego CA	619-295-2222

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Purple Eggplant. One

is easiest, three is harder.

Martha Stewart		Black-Tahini and Eggplant Dip
The Healthy Apple		Lemon Coconut Eggplant Fries
Olivia's Cuisine		Baba Ghanoush
Amateur Gourmet		Eggplant Dirty Rice
The Mediterranean Dish		Roasted Eggplant Caprese Salad
Radiate Food Vibes		Roasted Eggplant & Fresh Mozzarella Pizza
The Foodie Physician		Mediterranean Eggplant Hummus "Meatballs"
Just a Taste		Eggplant Parmesan Sliders
Not Enough Cinnamon		Skinny Eggplant Rollatini
Martha Stewart		Eggplant Spread

the other 92...

Paleo Grubs		Eggplant Beef Casserole
Gourmandelle		Lentil and Eggplant Patties with Olives and Herbs
David Lebovitz		Eggplant Caviar
Just a Little Bit of Bacon		Grilled Eggplant And Halloumi Sandwich
Andie Mitchell		Healthy Baked Eggplant Parmesan
The Endless Meal		Homemade Baba Ganoush
Jackie Newget		Eggplant Gyros with Fresh Tzatziki
Edible Garden		Schezwan Eggplant
Lexi's Clean Kitchen		Paleo Eggplant Pizza Crust
Italian Chips		Baked Eggplant
Food Wanderings		Eggplant Fritters in Chickpea Flour Batter
The Mediterranean Dish		Baked Eggplant Fries with Greek Tzatziki Sauce
Brown Eyed Baker		Best Eggplant Parmesan
Vegetarian Gastronomy		Thai Basil Eggplant
Running In A Skirt		Sheet Pan Healthy Baked Eggplant Parmesan Slices
Healthful Pursuit		Crisp Eggplant Chips with Smoky Seasoning
Chef Tariq		Baba Ganoush
The Purple Foodie		Stuffed Eggplant
Minimalist Baker		Vegan Caramelized Onion Mac N Cheese
Thank Your Body		Savory Eggplant Jerky
Everyone Eat's Right		Eggplant Jerky
The Spruce Eats		Italian Pickled Eggplant
Feel Good Foodie		Easy Eggplant Moussaka
Eat The Gains		Grilled Eggplant Pizza
Host The Toast		Eggplant, Prosciutto, & Pesto Pressed Sandwiches
Empowered Sustenance		Paleo French Toast
Play. Party. Plan.		Grilled Eggplant Rolls
This Savory Vegan		Roasted Eggplant Sandwiches with Vegan Arugula Walnut Pesto
Gimme Some Oven		Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Cilantro & Citronella		Caponata Antipasto
Martha Stewart		Easy Eggplant Spread
Gonna Want Seconds		Fried Eggplant
Jessica in the Kitchen		Baba Ghanoush
The Skinny Pot		Pork Stuff Eggplant Boats
The Italian Dish		Sicilian Caponata
Skinnytaste		Eggplant "Meatballs"
Went Here, 8 This		Jamaican Jerk Grilled Eggplant
Cooking LSL		Grilled Eggplant Soba Noodles
Joy of Kosher		Eggplant Roll Ups with Cream Cheese and Spinach
The Roasted Root		Roasted Eggplant Pesto Sandwich
Healing Tomato		Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich
Delish Knowledge		Eggplant Lentil Bolognese
Healing Tomato		Pull Apart Eggplant with Marinara Sauce
The Brick Kitchen		Roasted Eggplant Shakshuka
Food Republic		Falafel-Stuffed Eggplant
Vegging The Shore		Vegan Eggplant Meatballs
Pepper Bowl		Crispy Baked Eggplant
Dash of Savory		Italian Fried Eggplant
Making Thyme for Health		Creamy Eggplant Tomato Soup
My Persian Kitchen		Eggplant With Pomegranate & Mint Dressing
Healing Tomato		Vegan Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce
Little Broken		Creamy Orzo with Grilled Vegetables
Eat Good 4 LIfe		15 Minute Asian Vegetables
Know Your Produce		Easy Eggplant Parmesan
Delish Knowledge		Eggplant Parmesan in the Insant Pot
Jo Cooks		Roasted Eggplant and Pepper Spread
Healthy Nibbles and Bits		Eggplant Bliss Bowl with Mint and Cilantro Chutney
Green Kitchen Stories		Lemongrass, Aubergine & Brussels Sprout Curry
All Day I Dream About Food		Eggplant Benedict
Family Style Food		Baked Eggplant with Mozzarella and Tomato-Basil Salad
Pickled Plum		Char Siu Style Roasted Eggplant
Laura Loving Life		Eggplant Parmesan with Spaghetti Squash
Pancake Warriors		Balsamic Roasted Eggplant Steaks
The Colorful Kitchen		Vegan Spiral Vegetable Tart
Know Your Produce		Eggplant Noodles
Table for Two		Eggplant Parmesan
The Endless Meal		Crispy Eggplant Fries with Chipotle Aioli
Dizzy, Busy, and Hungry		Cheesy Eggplant Apple Quesadillas
The Stay at Home Chef		Best Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Sweet As Honey		Low Carb Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread
Minimalist Baker		Creamy Eggplant & Caramelized Onion Dip
My Darling Vegan		Eggplant and Caramelized Onion Pizza
She Knows		Vegan Eggplant, Asparagus, and Black Bean Tacos
It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken		Crispy Coconut Eggplant Nuggets
The Seaside Baker		Chardonnay Red Pepper Eggplant Spread
A Spicy Perspective		Sautéed Eggplant with Honey
Just a Taste		Eggplant Parmesan Sliders
Simple Seasonal		Eggplant Stuffed Shells
Mom/Foodie		Eggplant Parmesan Casserole
Skinny Miss		Julia Child's Zucchini Gratin
30 Days of Greek Food		Greek Stuffed Eggplant
Dishing Delish		Easy Eggplant Rollatini
Vegetarian Times		Turkish Eggplant Pie
Make The First Bite Count		Fried Eggplant
Nutrition Studies		Eggplant Bacon
Wine and Glue		Stuffed Eggplant
Closet Cooking		Eggplant Pizzas
Pure Wow		Eggplant Parm Bites
Martha Stewart		Moroccan Hand Pies
Minimalist Baker		Jamaican Jerk Grilled Eggplant
The Pretty Bee		Gluten Free Eggplant Fries
Gimme Delicious Food		Low-Carb Eggplant Pizza Bites