Eggplant: Difference between revisions
imported>Petréa Mitchell (Written by me, various sources) |
imported>Martin Baldwin-Edwards (European name variant; added/corrected Greek names, removed southern Europe as region [it is the former Ottoman Empire area]) |
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'''Eggplant''' | '''Eggplant''' is the American English common name for ''[[Solanum]] melongena'', a perennial cultivated for its edible fruits. Throughout Europe, including the UK, it is known as '''aubergine'''. | ||
The eggplant is a member of the [[nightshade]] family and a close relative of the [[potato]]. It originated in southeastern [[Asia]], and all varieties still require a relatively warm climate (around 80°[[Fahrenheit|F]]) in order to grow. | The eggplant is a member of the [[nightshade]] family and a close relative of the [[potato]]. It originated in southeastern [[Asia]], and all varieties still require a relatively warm climate (around 80°[[Fahrenheit|F]]) in order to grow. | ||
The classic eggplant fruit is large, dark purple, and egg-shaped. However, there a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, including red, yellow, and white. | The classic eggplant fruit is large, dark purple, and egg-shaped. However, there exists a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, including red, yellow, and white. | ||
Eggplant is still eaten throughout southeast Asia. It reached [[Europe]] in the 13th century, and is best known in the West from its use in [[Middle East]]ern and | Eggplant is still eaten throughout southeast Asia. It reached [[Europe]] in the 13th century, and is best known in the West from its use in [[Middle East]]ern, Greek and Turkish dishes, such as [[moussakas]], [[babaganoush]], and [[kebab]]s. It is also eaten stuffed or fried,baked with tomato and onions, or even raw as in [[melitzanosalata]]. It is often paired with [[lamb]], another staple of Middle Eastern cuisine. | ||
[[Category:CZ Live]] | [[Category:CZ Live]] | ||
[[Category:Food Science Workgroup]] | [[Category:Food Science Workgroup]] | ||
[[Category:Agriculture Workgroup]] | [[Category:Agriculture Workgroup]] | ||
Revision as of 23:37, 19 October 2007
Eggplant is the American English common name for Solanum melongena, a perennial cultivated for its edible fruits. Throughout Europe, including the UK, it is known as aubergine.
The eggplant is a member of the nightshade family and a close relative of the potato. It originated in southeastern Asia, and all varieties still require a relatively warm climate (around 80°F) in order to grow.
The classic eggplant fruit is large, dark purple, and egg-shaped. However, there exists a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, including red, yellow, and white.
Eggplant is still eaten throughout southeast Asia. It reached Europe in the 13th century, and is best known in the West from its use in Middle Eastern, Greek and Turkish dishes, such as moussakas, babaganoush, and kebabs. It is also eaten stuffed or fried,baked with tomato and onions, or even raw as in melitzanosalata. It is often paired with lamb, another staple of Middle Eastern cuisine.