Italian Eggplant
Estimated Inventory, 10 lbs : 1.52
This item was last sold on : 12/20/24
Description/Taste
Italian eggplants are oblong and small to medium in size, averaging 20 to 25 centimeters long. They come in various shapes and sizes, as some are thick and slightly taper to a bulbous end, while others are slim and elongated. They may have lavender, bright purple, marbled maroon, or white skin that typically features a shiny, smooth texture. Italian eggplants have green stems that attach firmly to the top of the vegetable and often develop brown-gray spots and a dried texture. Their flesh is firm yet succulent and spongy with an ivory hue and barely visible, edible seeds sprinkled in the center. When cooked, Italian eggplants are tender, creamy, and sweet with a rich flavor. Their skin may take on a slightly bitter taste but can be peeled away upon consumption.
Seasons/Availability
Italian eggplants are available year-round.
Current Facts
Italian eggplants are botanically known as Solanum melongena and are members of the Solanaceae, or nightshade, family that also contains tomatoes and potatoes. Eggplants are technically classified as fruits but are commonly referred to and treated as vegetables in culinary preparations. Eggplants are called melanzana in Italian, a name derived from the phrase mela insana, which translates to apple of insanity. This name reflects the historical suspicion surrounding the vegetable, particularly during the Roman era when the consumption of eggplants was viewed with caution due to their resemblance to toxic members of the nightshade family, specifically the belladonna fruit. Well-known Italian eggplant varieties include purple Traviata and Beatrice eggplants, white Paloma and Aretussa epplants, multicolored Rosa Bianca and Nubia eggplants, and black Nadia and Galene eggplants.
Nutritional Value
Italian eggplants are a good source of vitamin C, which supports immune function, promotes skin health, and helps the body absorb iron. The presence of vitamin B6 aids in brain development, mood regulation, and metabolism. Italian eggplants are also rich in fiber, which promotes digestive health, regulates blood sugar levels, and supports heart health by lowering cholesterol. The potassium content in these eggplants contributes to healthy blood pressure, muscle function, and fluid balance in the body. These vegetables also contain high levels of anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants responsible for the rich purple color of their skin. These anthocyanins help protect cells from oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and may help lower the risk of chronic diseases.
Applications
Italian eggplants are best suited for cooked applications such as frying, baking, sautéing, grilling, and pickling. Their porous texture allows them to absorb accompanying flavors with ease. These vegetables can be incorporated into pasta, pizza, stir-fries, kabobs, stews, sandwiches, and casseroles. They can also be grilled and served in appetizers with mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, and olive oil. Italian eggplants pair well with bell peppers, zucchini, onions, garlic, basil, arugula, oregano, capers, green olives, pine nuts, red wine vinegar, crunchy bread, grilled steak, veal, and lamb. Italian eggplants will keep for up to three days when stored in a cool, dry place. Refrigeration should be avoided as these vegetables can suffer chill damage from frigid temperatures.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Eggplants are an important vegetable in Southern Italian cuisine, particularly in Sicily. This island’s warm climate and fertile soil have paved the way for a diverse collection of eggplants to be cultivated. Sicilian dishes adhere to the principles of cucina povera. This phrase translates to poor cuisine, a reference to the fact that Sicily was historically one of Europe’s most poverty-stricken regions, thus requiring its people to use the cheapest and most readily available ingredients in their cooking. This in turn caused the region to develop a unique, flavorful, and influential culinary style, which is represented in the way they used eggplant as the main ingredient of a dish rather than meat. Some of the most famous eggplant dishes from this region include caponata, pasta alla Norma, and parmigiana di melanzane, also known as eggplant parmesan. These dishes mix fresh vegetables, tomatoes, and olive oils to create savory, full-bodied meatless dishes. Another popular meal is melanzane sott'olio, which is pickled Italian eggplant commonly served with cold cuts, tomatoes, and bread.
Geography/History
Italian eggplants are developed varieties from Italy despite the species itself being native to India and China. They thrive in warm, moist climates with rich soils, high sun exposure, and temperatures between 21 and 24 degrees Celsius. These vegetables are not found in the wild as they’ve been cultivated in their native regions to have particular shapes, colors, and flavors. They are frequently produced commercially in the Italian regions of Sicily, Campania, and Calabria and may also be sown in home gardens. Eggplants were introduced to Italy through Arab trade routes in the 9th century, reaching the warm southern regions of the country before spreading to the rest of Europe in the 17th century. Outside of their native regions, Italian eggplants may be found at farmers' markets and specialty grocers in Asia, the United States, Europe, and South America. They can also be purchased from seed to sow in gardens.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| 264 Fresco (Kitchen) | Carlsbad CA | 760-720-3737 |
| Higher Grounds Coffee + Cafe | San Diego CA | 831-247-5395 |
| Elvira | San Diego CA | 619-560-3800 |
| Sbicca Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 619-417-2587 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Cucina Enoteca | Del Mar CA | 619-239-2222 |
| Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering | San Diego CA | 619-436-7006 |
| Bishop School | San Diego CA | 858-459-4021 |
| Boujiemana | San Diego CA | 415-710-0510 |
| The Besta-Wan Pizza House | Cardiff CA | 805-231-2515 |
| The Santaluz Club Inc - Bistro Kitchen | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
| Deeply Nourished | La Jolla CA | 808-489-7366 |
| Del Mar Country Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5995 |
| The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| The Whaling Bar | La Jolla CA | 858-355-9218 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
| Huntress | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Urban Kitchen Catering | San Diego CA | 619-276-8803 |
| The Compass | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-1900 |
| Miho | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
| Bar Majorette | San Diego CA | 619-323-8471 |
| Farmer and The Seahorse | San Diego CA | 619-302-3682 |
| Kona Kai Resort and Marina | San Diego CA | 619-221-8000 |
| The Guild Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-764-5108 |
| Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District | El Cajon CA | 619-644-7585 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Italian Eggplant. One
is easiest, three is harder.
