Chinese Eggplant

Holding Out a Chinese Eggplant From a Basket
Full of Different Variety of Eggplants

It is amazing how many different varieties of eggplants are out there. They come in different colors and sizes, and originate from all over the world. We even found an orange eggplant that looks like a tomato. (Check out the photo on top)

Eggplants are not vegetables. They are considered to be fruit like tomatoes. However, for the same reason why I have put tomatoes in the vegetable section.

Chinese eggplants are usually long and slender, about one to one and a half diameters. Their color is between a light purple to a lavender color. Based on my research, Chinese eggplant has the sweetest flesh in all eggplant varieties. So, salting the Chinese eggplants to get rid of the bitterness is not necessary. Once cooked, Chinese eggplant has a much better texture because they have less seeds.

HOW TO PICK FRESH CHINESE EGGPLANTS
LOOK FOR THESE:

• Slender in shape, preferably about one to one and a half inches in diameter (These Chinese eggplants are less mature, therefore, they have more tender flesh. However, I have also seen a Chinese variety that is a lot larger in diameter. In that case, pick those Chinese eggplants which are the most slender.)
• slightly soft and springy when gently squeezed (It is a sign of the less mature Chinese eggplants.)
• look fresh and plump with glossy skin
• Hold one end of the Chinese eggplant, and shake it slightly up and down. A less mature Chinese eggplant vibrate slightly as you shake it. A overly mature Chinese eggplant will feel stiff like a stick. 

AVOID THESE:

• Feel hard when squeezed
• with blemishes and cuts

HOW TO STORE FRESH CHINESE EGGPLANTS

IN THE FRIDGE: Chinese eggplants can be stored in the fridge for about 4 to 5 days. Since they can be bruised easily, you should avoid putting anything heavy on top, or anything with a rough texture on the bottom. I normally wrap each Chinese eggplant with a paper tower, then put them in an open plastic bag in the fridge.

IN ROOM TEMPERATURE: Once ripen, storing the sprite melons in the frid

HOW TO PREPARE FRESH CHINESE EGGPLANTS

Since the skin of a Chinese eggplant is thin and edible, all you need to do in the preparation step is to wash it, and chop off the stem end. Then you can cut it any way you like. They work well in stews, stir fries, soups and much more.

FUN TO KNOW ABOUT CHINESE EGGPLANT

Chinese eggplant, when translated in Chinese, it is 中國茄子. 中國 means China/Chinese. 茄子 means eggplant. In Cantonese, it is written, 矮瓜, which means short squash.