African Eggplant

Also Known As : Mock Tomato, Ethiopian nightshade, Scarlet Eggplant, Bitter tomato

Technical Name : Solanum aethiopicum

Descriptions
details

Vegetarian

Taste Profile

They have a distinctly bitter taste that becomes more bitter as it ripens.

Usage Tips

African eggplant can be sliced and eaten fresh or pickled or dried for later use.
They can be used in both raw and cooked preparations. They can also be prepared by grilling, baking, broiling, and steaming.
They can be stuffed or cooked in meat, vegetable, or rice dishes, curry dishes and can also be used as a pasta substitute.
They will keep up to week when stored whole in a cool and dry place.
They goes well with curry or long braises in a simple blend of oil and garlic, meats such as ham, bacon, and sausage, nutty cheeses such as parmesan, caramelized onions or tomatoes, red bell pepper, green beans, beans, peanuts, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and baby corn.

Description

African eggplant can be found in an assortment of shapes and sizes from a small, round shape to a depressed globular shape with deep furrows. Their outer skin is shiny and smooth and can be yellow, green, white, or red, and the inner flesh is crunchy and pale yellow or ivory. They are grown moslty in Central and West Africa. They are available throughout the year. They are used in African cuisine.

Health benefits

African eggplants contain calcium that strengthens bones.⁽¹⁾
They contain fiber that helps with blood sugar control.⁽¹⁾
They also contain potassium that helps to reduce the risk of kidney stones.⁽¹⁾
They also contain some beta-carotene and ascorbic acid.⁽¹⁾

Selection Guide

Go for firm and heavy African eggplants. Avoid those that contain bruises or marks.

Resource & Links

(1) https://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/African_Eggplant_12679.php

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