Eggplant

My first eggplant was the Early Long Purple type, and it was very productive (see picture). This eggplant is long, slightly bulbous, and the slender fruits are meaty and easy to slice. This year (2012) I will try and plant Black Beauty eggplant, rounder in shape and when it is ready to harvest, the color appears as black purple with shiny skin.

When to plant. Start indoors in warm, sunny location 8-10 weeks before transplanting outdoors. Wait 3 weeks after frost to transplant outside. Or, in warmer climates, sow directly in garden when night time temperature falls to around 55 F.
Note: Eggplant require full sun, and rich, fertile, and well-drained soil.

How to plant. Planting depth should be 1/4 inches, spacing about 2 1/2 feet per plant.

Harvest. All eggplant varieties should be harvested when fruit is shiny and before skin turns dull. Continual harvest will encourage more production. Harvest at about 6" long. Cut woody stem with pruners, rather than pulling and twisting it or you could end up with a broken limb or plant. If seeds inside are dark, fruit is past its prime. For black beauty variety, make sure the fruit is slightly bigger than your hand, again paying attention that it is shiny.

Health Benefits. Low in calories and high in vitamins A, C, and B group.

Recipes:

Chicken with Eggplant and taro root
Torta or Eggplant omelet (Torta is Tagalog term)