Is an eggplant a fruit or a vegetable? You're wrong if you said, "vegetable" (like most people would). Not only is an eggplant considered a fruit, but it's actually classified as a berry. That's the first of many things you probably don't know about eggplants.
To start with, the American eggplant you're probably picturing is just the beginning of the eggplant spectrum. If you love eggplants, it might be time to explore the various types available to you, specifically Chinese eggplants versus Japanese eggplants. Consider this your primer on eggplants as you learn the differences between these two varieties.
Eggplants 101
Eggplants are one of the most delicious and versatile ingredients you can cook with. They can be fried, baked, pickled, stewed, pureed, and even stuffed. And just like tomatoes (also a fruit!), eggplants are part of the nightshade family. While you may be a big fan of popular dishes like eggplant parmesan and rollatini, there are so many varieties of eggplant grown around the world, and they all look and taste different.
Another interesting thing about eggplant is its flavor and texture. Most raw eggplants taste bitter because of the seeds, but when cooked, eggplant becomes soft and savory and soak up sauces and oils. That's why they taste so good in dishes like roasted eggplant and olive pasta salad, Moussaka, and Ratatouille.
Japanese Eggplants
What They Look Like
Japanese eggplants are short and thin with delicate dark purple skin and dark-colored stems.
When/Where They're Grown
Japanese eggplants are available all year round, but their peak season is summer through fall. In addition to Asia, Japanese eggplants are grown in Europe, South America, and the U.S.
How to Cook Them
Japanese eggplants have a thin skin and sponge-like texture, which quickly absorbs sauces and flavors. They also have a slightly sweeter taste which pairs well with miso, soy sauce, and ginger. Try them in this miso eggplant dip, or roast them with miso and sesame seeds for a tasty side dish.
Nutritional Value
Japanese eggplants are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and dietary fiber.
Chinese Eggplants
What They Look Like
Chinese eggplants are long, thin, and sometimes crooked. They each have different color skin, ranging from violet to bright purple.
When/Where They're Grown
Chinese eggplants are available year-round. In addition to Asia, Chinese eggplants are grown in Europe, Canada, and the U.S.
How to Cook Them
Unlike most other kinds, Chinese eggplants are nearly seedless, which makes them slightly sweet and less bitter. They're most commonly baked or featured in a stir-fry because they're tender and cook quickly. Cook them up in this vegetarian eggplant and tofu stir-fry, or try this savory dish of curried eggplant with tomatoes and basil.
Nutritional Value
Chinese eggplants contain manganese, potassium, and vitamin B6. They also have anthocyanins which give the eggplant a deep purple color and are known for antioxidant properties.
FAQs
The difference is that Chinese are lighter purple, and Japanese are a dark purple like the American eggplant.
What is Japanese eggplant good for? ›
Some studies have found that eggplants may improve heart function and reduce LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Eggplants are rich in fiber and polyphenols, which both can help reduce blood sugar levels. Eggplant is high in fiber and low in calories, which means they can help promote weight loss.
Can I use regular eggplant instead of Japanese eggplant? ›
In most recipes, the different types of eggplant are interchangeable. If you would like to serve a more delicate eggplant than the common type, use the mild-flavored, excellent Chinese and Japanese varieties. Some cooks are concerned that their eggplant might be bitter.
What is Chinese eggplant good for? ›
Chinese eggplants are full of dietary fiber that does wonders for gut health. It also reduces the risk of long-term illnesses like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.
What is the best tasting eggplant? ›
One of the most popular was the long, thin, purple eggplant from Taiwan known as Ping Tung. This is an exceptional eggplant with sweet, pleasant tasting flesh. The plants are incredibly prolific and produce throughout the entire season.
What organ is eggplant good for? ›
Eggplants are a nutrient-rich food that contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They may benefit your overall health, including your heart.
Can too much eggplant be bad for you? ›
Eggplants come with antioxidants and other possible benefits related to heart and brain health. They are also a low-carb option with fiber. There are risks of eating eggplants, like potential allergic reactions, kidney stone formation, and increased inflammation.
Does Japanese eggplant taste like regular eggplant? ›
What does a Japanese Eggplant Taste Like? Japanese eggplants offer a sweeter, more tender, and more delicate taste than standard American eggplants.
Do you have to peel Japanese eggplant? ›
Skin: The skin of globe eggplants is thick and sturdy, and chefs tend to remove it before cooking. Conversely, the skin of Japanese eggplants is delicate, thin, and doesn't require peeling, making it easier to eat.
Can you eat Japanese eggplant raw? ›
Like all other eggplant, Japanese eggplant is never eaten raw. But unlike larger, seedier eggplant, Japanese eggplant generally doesn't need salting. Because of its firm texture, which turns creamy during cooking yet holds its shape, Japanese eggplant is especially good for baking, broiling, grilling, and stir-frying.
Salting: Salting removes excess liquid and some of the bitterness. Today's eggplants are bred for mildness, though, so it's not as important as it used to be (if you are frying eggplant, salting will ensure a creamy texture and rich flavor). This method works for eggplant slices, cubes, or planks.
Is eggplant good for diabetics? ›
Because it is low in calories and carbohydrates, brinjal (eggplant) is a fantastic meal to include in your diabetes diet. The glycemic index of brinjal is only 15. Foods that have a low GI are good for people with diabetes.
Should Chinese eggplant be refrigerated? ›
If delivered fresh and properly stored, Chinese eggplants will last up to about 5 days. Some food experts recommend storing eggplants outside the refrigerator, away from direct sunlight. Storing Chinese eggplants with other types of fresh produce may cause them to spoil more quickly.
Can you eat Chinese eggplant raw? ›
Can You Eat Eggplant Raw? Luckily, the answer is yes! While the leaves and flowers can be toxic, the eggplant itself is safe to consume both raw and cooked, and the compound that some might be sensitive to, solanine, is only toxic when consumed in large quantities.
Is Japanese eggplant less bitter? ›
What is distinctive about the Japanese eggplant? It has fewer seeds than some other varieties, which gives it a gentler, more delicate, and less bitter taste.
What is a substitute for Chinese eggplant? ›
If you can't find Chinese eggplants, Japanese eggplants are the best alternative.
Can you eat the skin of a Japanese eggplant? ›
Preparing the Japanese Eggplant:
Start by rinsing the eggplant under cool running water to remove any dirt or residue. Next, remove the stem and slice off a thin portion of the top and bottom. If desired, you can also peel the skin, although it is perfectly edible and adds to the texture and flavor.
Can you eat the skin of Chinese eggplant? ›
Like tomatoes, the seeds and the skin of eggplants are edible.
