Produce Briefs...
Calamondin Limes
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Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Pinkglow™ Pineapple
Pinkglow™ pineapples are small to medium fruits with an oval to cylindrical shape.
Italian Eggplant
Inventory, 10 lbs : 1.18
This item was last sold on : 08/14/22
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.
| Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Hotel Del Coronado Serea Restaurant | Coronado CA | 619-435-6611 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort (Banquets) | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Campfire | Carlsbad CA | 760-637-5121 |
| Vista Valley | Vista CA | 760-758-2800 |
| Harvest Kitchen | Vista CA | 619-709-0938 |
| Park Hyatt Aviara (Ember & Rye) | Carlsbad CA | 760-448-1234 |
| The Seabird Resort | Oceanside CA | 951-704-9703 |
| Grass Skirt | San Diego CA | 858-412-5237 |
| Tavola Nostra Pizzeria E Cucina | San Diego CA | 619-921-4206 |
| Cucina Enoteca | Del Mar CA | 619-239-2222 |
| Miho | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Carte Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-365-1858 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| The Guild Hotel | San Diego CA | 858-373-3184 |
| Del Mar Country Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5500 x207 |
| Wine Vault & Bistro | San Diego CA | 619-295-3939 |
| Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
| Lumi | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Georges at the Cove | San Diego CA | 858-454-4244 |
| Park Commons - ARE | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Terra Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-293-7088 |
| Local Tap House & Kitchen | Oceanside CA | 760-547-1469 |
| Hilton Mission Valley | San Diego CA | 619-543-9000 |
| Il Giardino di Lilli | La Jolla CA | 619-467-9897 |
| Wayfarer Bread | La Jolla CA | 805-709-0964 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Artifact at Mingei | San Diego CA | 619-846-2164 |
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.
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Santa Monica Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesFresno, CA 1-559-385-4959 About 54 days ago, 6/22/22 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 57 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 58 days ago, 6/18/22 Sharer's comments : Italian Eggplant from Fresno Evergreen 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 316 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 332 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 367 days ago, 8/13/21 Sharer's comments : Italian eggplant 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 379 days ago, 8/01/21 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 414 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 418 days ago, 6/23/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 430 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 432 days ago, 6/09/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 661 days ago, 10/23/20 Sharer's comments : Italian Eggplant from Her Produce |
