Chinese Eggplant – Solanum melongena

These grow great in containers or on balconies. China has produced eggplants since the 5th Century. Not just for food. Although the eggplant originated from India and reached the mainland of China first and then Taiwan. They also depend on plant rotation so don’t use the same soil every year.

The Chinese eggplant has nutritional values high in anthocyanins, it is the pigment also responsible for its beautiful purple color. They have a mild to sweet flavor and are great additions to many comfort foods. It will keep up to one week after picking if stored in a cool dry place.