Squash
The Dubois Farms also grow eggplants. Our eggplants are the common purple variety. Like all our vegetables, they are of the highest quality.
The eggplant is a native of India and Sri Lanka. It has been grown in Asia since prehistoric times and in the Western World since about 1500 BC. The name eggplant developed in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada because the fruits of some 18th century European varieties were yellow or white and resembled goose or hen's eggs.
The plant has large coarsely lobed large leaves and a spiny stem. It also has flowers which are white or purple and have a five lobed corolla and yellow stamens.
The eggplant is a night shade and is a close relative of the tomato and potato. It bears fruit which is commonly used in cooking. The fruit is fleshy and is classified as a berry. It contains numerous small seeds which are edible but may taste bitter. This is due to the fact that they contain a small amount of nicotinoid alkaloids which are closely related to tobacco.
There are three major varieties of eggplant which produce fruit of different size, shape and color, especially purple, green, or white. In India and Asia, there are eggplant varieties of many different shapes, sizes, and colors. The most prevalent variety in the USA is the purple one.
There are many recipes to make eggplant. One of the most popular dishes made primarily with eggplant is the Italian dish eggplant parmesan. It is made with tomatoes sauce and mozzarella cheese and is usually served with pasta.
Eggplants have several health benefits. Some studies at the Institute of Biology of São Paulo State University in Brazil showed that eggplant is effective in the treatment of high blood cholesterol hypercholesterolemia. It can block the formation of free radicals, help control cholesterol levels and is also a source of folic acid and potassium.
Eggplants were once believed to be poisonous. Some taste bitter and some people can develop stomach irritation and gastritis from them. Some people in the health community also believe that nightshades like eggplant can cause arthritis or make it worse in some people. Also, the eggplant is richer in nicotine than any other edible plant. However the amount is tiny compared to the amount of nicotine in a cigarette. It would take 20lbs of eggplants to equal the amount of nicotine in one cigarette.