Organic Eggplant Spanish Fork UT

Just a few years ago, supermarket produce departments offered only one variety of eggplant: the large Black Beauty, with its familiar dark purple skin. Many tasters found it to be mealy and unappetizing, adding eggplant to their list of “hate it” foods.

Culinary times have changed. Walk into your local natural and organic food store and you'll find a new breed of eggplants that are pleasing to the palate. Especially popular is the narrow Japanese (Oriental) eggplant, known for its sweetness and thinner skin. Italian (baby) eggplants resemble their larger purple cousins, but they’re smaller, with delicate flesh and skin. Thai eggplants are round and green (golf-ball size), often used in curry dishes and Asian soups. White eggplants are oval, with a bright green stem and heavy skin—ideal for steaming, broiling and baking.

Nutrition facts

One cup of cubed raw eggplant has:

• Only 25 calories
• No sodium, cholesterol or fat
• 2 grams of fiber

When shopping, look for:

• Firm, smooth, glossy skin (pass on those with dull skin)
• No scars, wrinkles, bruises, brown spots or soft spots
• Heavy for its size, which means it has a high moisture content
• Bright green stem (“calyx”)

At home:

• Store eggplants in a cool, dry place.
• Use within one to two days to avoid bitterness. Refrigerating them in a plastic bag may buy you a few extra days.
• Cut eggplants just before using, as their flesh discolors quickly. Use a stainless steel knife to prevent da...