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Background

The Black Beauty eggplant is a magnificent eggplant with glossy, dark purple skin.

The origins of eggplants can be found in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in India and Sri Lanka, where they were first domesticated around 3,000 years ago. From there, eggplants spread to other parts of Asia, including China, Persia (modern-day Iran), and the Arab world.

The Moors and Arabs brought eggplants to Spain during their rule, and from there, eggplants made their way to other parts of Europe, such as Italy, by the 13th century. Initially, eggplants were grown for ornamental purposes due to their vibrant colours and unique shapes, and they were commonly referred to as ‘mad apples’ in Europe.

It wasn’t until later that eggplants gained popularity as a culinary ingredient, and the Black Beauty variety, with its attractive dark purple skin, became one of the most favoured cultivars.

Health Benefits

Homegrown, organic eggplants are good for you!

They are rich in fibre, making them beneficial for digestive health.

They contain essential vitamins (such as B vitamins and vitamin K) and minerals (potassium and manganese), which support overall well-being and help to promote heart health. The antioxidants found in eggplants, particularly nasunin, help protect against cellular damage and oxidative stress.

Growing Tips and Tricks

Location:

Eggplants thrive in warm climates with full sun exposure. Choose a location in your garden or on your balcony/patio that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter

Watering:

Eggplants need regular and consistent watering to grow well. Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during hot and dry periods. Water the plants at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to diseases. In hot weather, you may need to water the plants daily

Common Problems:

Pests: Watch out for common eggplant pests such as aphids, flea beetles, and spider mites. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pest infestations.

Diseases: Eggplants can be susceptible to diseases like damping-off, verticillium wilt, and bacterial wilt. Practice crop rotation, avoid overwatering, and provide good air circulation to prevent disease problems.

Fruit Set Issues: In some cases, eggplants may experience poor fruit set. This could be due to extreme temperatures, lack of pollinators, or inadequate nutrition. To improve fruit set, ensure the plants receive sufficient sunlight and consider hand-pollinating the flowers using a small brush.

Blossom End Rot: This condition can affect eggplants, causing dark, sunken spots on the bottom of the fruit. It’s often due to calcium deficiency or fluctuations in watering. To prevent this, maintain consistent moisture levels and ensure the soil has adequate calcium.

Patch to plate

Nothing compares to the delicious creamy flesh of cooked eggplant. It is an incredibly flavour packed and versatile ingredient for your culinary creations, here’s a couple of ideas to get you started!

• Baba Ghanouj, aka roasted eggplant dip, the Queen of all dips! Ideally roast your eggplants over a fire or coals to get that smokey flavour and a tiny bit of char!
• Layered with saucy tomato, cheese and basil to create a bubbling, oozy eggplant parmigiana
• Combined with ground beef, tomatoes, stock and bechamel to make a mouth watering Moussaka