AUBERGINE — or eggplant or brinjal or baigan — isn’t the easiest crop to grow in our climate, but if you can give it the right conditions and a long growing season it’s definitely worth a try. A Spanish dish called escalivada in Catalonia calls for strips of roasted aubergine, sweet pepper, onion, and tomato. In Andalusia, eggplant is mostly cooked thinly sliced, deep-fried in olive oil and served hot with honey (berenjenas a la Cordobesa).

Understanding the Context

Aubergines, also known as eggplant or brinjal, are nightshade family members. They grow in warm climates and are related to tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers. They are often used in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. They’re versatile and can be added to soups, stews, salads, or cooked independently.

Key Insights

Eggplants are a nutrient-rich food that contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They may benefit your overall health, including your heart. Eggplants, also known as aubergines, belong to the... Aubergine, also known as eggplant, is a glossy, deep purple fruit that’s treated as a vegetable in the culinary world. Botanically a fruit but widely cooked as a vegetable, aubergines belong to the nightshade family, sharing their lineage with tomatoes and bell peppers.

Final Thoughts

What is an Aubergine? An aubergine is a solanaceous fruit native to Asia. Many Americans know the fruit better as an eggplant, while some regions of India refer to it as a brinjal. There are numerous other regional names for the aubergine, which plays a role in the cuisine of many nations. Morning Star: Focus on the aubergine, cousin of the tomato, chilli pepper and potato Focus on the aubergine, cousin of the tomato, chilli pepper and potato