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A close photo of an eggplant
Vegetables Fruit vegetables

Eggplant

The eggplant, also known as aubergine, is a versatile vegetable enjoyed worldwide. With a mild flavor and spongy texture, eggplants are used in various culinary applications. They are low in calories and offer a good source of fiber and nutrients.

Did you know ?

  • Eggplants are botanically classified as berries.
  • Eggplants were once called ‘mad apples’ because people believed they could cause insanity.
  • Different eggplant varieties come in various shapes and colors, including purple, white, green, and striped.

View other Fruit vegetables

Values of one medium eggplant (~82g) :

Calories20 kcal
Proteins0.7g
Carbohydrates4.8g
of which sugars2.9g
Fiber2.5g
Fats0.1g

Vitamins and minerals

Main vitamins

Vitamin B9Vitamin KVitamin C

Main minerals and trace elements

PotassiumMagnesiumManganesePhosphorusCopper

How to know if an eggplant is ripe

Section titled “ How to know if is ripe”
A perfectly ripe eggplant

Perfectly ripe

Firm, heavy, and vibrant with a slightly sweet flavor.

How to recognize this state :

  • Firm but slightly yielding to pressure
  • Deep, even color
  • Smooth, glossy skin
  • Slightly sweet aroma
  • Heavy for its size
  • Skin gives slightly when pressed
  • Flesh bounces back quickly
  • Stem is green and firm

Globe Eggplant

The most common variety, characterized by its large, oval shape and dark purple skin.

Italian Eggplant

Smaller and more elongated than globe eggplants, with a slightly sweeter flavor.

White Eggplant

Ivory-colored skin with a creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor.

Graffiti Eggplant

Striking purple and white striped skin with a mild, non-bitter flavor.

How to choose an eggplant

Section titled “ How to choose ”

To choose a quality eggplant at the supermarket or market :

  • Look for eggplants with smooth, glossy skin and a deep, even color.
  • Choose eggplants that feel heavy for their size.
  • Avoid eggplants with bruises, cuts, or wrinkles.
  • Press gently on the skin - it should yield slightly but not be too soft.
  • Check that the stem is green and firm.

How to store an eggplant

Section titled “ How to store ”

Store unwashed eggplants in the refrigerator's crisper drawer.

Wrap eggplants loosely in plastic wrap to help retain moisture.

Use within one week for best quality.

Avoid storing eggplants near ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables like apples and bananas.

How to ripen an eggplant

Section titled “ How to ripen ”

Eggplants don't typically 'ripen' off the vine, but here's how to handle them :

  • Eggplants are best when harvested at peak ripeness.
  • If you have a slightly underripe eggplant, you can store it at room temperature for a day or two to see if it softens slightly.

Health benefits of an eggplant

Section titled “ Health benefits of ”
  • Low in calories, making it a healthy addition to meals.
  • Good source of fiber, which aids digestion and promotes satiety.
  • Contains antioxidants like anthocyanins, which may protect against cell damage.
  • Provides potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
  • Contains vitamin B6, which supports brain health.

Origin of an eggplant

Section titled “ Origin of ”

Eggplants are native to India and have been cultivated for thousands of years. They spread to other parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Europe over time. Spanish explorers introduced eggplants to the Americas in the 15th century. Today, they are grown and enjoyed worldwide.

Regions of origin

  • India (Origin)
  • Asia (Early Cultivation)
  • Middle East
  • Europe
  • The Americas

Cook an eggplant according to its ripeness

Section titled “ Cook according to its ripeness”

Unripe

  • Eggplant pickle
  • Green eggplant curry
  • Stir-fried eggplant with spicy sauce (using minimal unripe eggplant)

Perfectly ripe

  • Baba ghanoush (eggplant dip)
  • Moussaka
  • Ratatouille

Too ripe

  • Eggplant soup (if not too bitter)
  • Eggplant and tomato stew (if not too mushy)

Warnings and precautions for an eggplant

Section titled “ Warnings and precautions for ”
  • Some people may be allergic to eggplants.
  • Eggplants contain solanine, which can be toxic in high amounts.
  • Avoid consuming raw eggplants in large quantities.
  • Eggplant leaves and flowers are toxic and should not be eaten.

Do not confuse with

Zucchini

Has a similar shape but is typically green and has a different texture and flavor.

Squash

Includes a wide variety of vegetables with varying shapes, colors, and flavors.

Cucumber

Longer and thinner, with a crisp texture and different flavor profile.