White eggplants are oblong in shape, not oval, like eggs. There are different varieties of white eggplant, with the purple eggplant being a close cousin. There are ornamental white eggplants, but we are talking about the variety that you can eat.
Before white eggplants get ripe for eating, they maintain that egg-like shape. But as they get ripe and become edible, the shape morphs and changes. The white eggplant does not have a regular shape (you can have oblong, long, short, or squat eggplants) and can come in different sizes.
What does white eggplant taste like? White eggplant has a light sweet flavor accompanied by a creamy feel when it is cooked. The skin of white eggplants is soft and smooth. It has a color that really stands out in dishes and recipes. Uncooked white eggplant might taste bitter. It tastes better when it is cooking or used in various culinary endeavors.
Many people are not that familiar with white eggplant. The Globe eggplant, also known as the American eggplant, is larger than the white eggplant. It is usually purple or a shade of purple that is so dark that it looks black in some lighting.
Nutritional Benefits of White Eggplant
White eggplants are not the most nutritious fruits on planet earth. But they contain an optimal amount of nutrients that could do the body a whole lot of good. White eggplant plays host to fiber and a few calories. The fruit is nutrient-dense, containing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Let us take a closer look at how these nutrients can be of benefit to the human body.
White eggplant has a high fiber content that aids digestion. The presence of fiber in the fruit also means that it can lower the blood sugar level. This is due to the reduction in the rate of digestion. A steady consumption of white eggplant could give one better control over blood sugar levels.
White eggplant also contains polyphenols and plant compounds that can increase insulin secretion in the human body. More insulin levels mean a lower blood sugar level. This reduces the risk of developing diabetes and keeps the body system from crashing due to a metabolic overload.
The fruit contains a high amount of antioxidants (anthocyanin), which help to protect the cells in the body from damage by free radicals. Antioxidants are also great for keeping chronic diseases at bay. So, incorporating white eggplant into one’s diet can save you from extensive medical bills that will be incurred from chronic diseases like cancer or heart diseases.
White eggplants contain a little bit of the essential nutrients that the body requires to run properly. Minerals like Magnesium, Vitamin C and K, Potassium, Folate, and Magnesium. These minerals can keep everyday illnesses away and foster good cell communication in the human body.
Culinary Uses of White Eggplant
White eggplants are better enjoyed when they are cooked. They are no longer bitter and have a sweet creamy taste. It is suitable for cooking applications like roasting, sauteing, deep-frying, pan-frying, baking, or boiling. When compared to its cousin, the purple eggplant, the skin is tougher so you would be better off with peeling the skin.
The fruit can be used in stir-fry dishes or sauteed in the company of other vegetables as a side dish. This side dish can accompany main dishes with no greens to bring a balance of nutrients to the meal. White eggplant is quite versatile, because of its texture, it can be used as a substitute for meat in the Parmigiana Bianca, which is a kind of pasta dish.
The fruit pairs well with tomatoes, chili pepper, chickpeas, stewed meats or chicken, and baked fish. It also works well with herbs, cheese, and some other food items. The fruit has a short shelf life, so it should be eaten while it is fresh.
Where Did Eggplants Originate From? How to Procure It?
White eggplants are native to India and Bangladesh. For a long time, before records were kept, the fruit has been domesticated and used for various purposes. Its use can be traced back to Asian roots. Its origin can be traced to 1330 AD where it was used in Asian medicine.
White eggplant popped up in records, in a Chinese treatise that talks about the principles of safe food. The cultivation of white eggplants spread from India and Bangladesh to other parts of Asia and Europe due to trade between regions and countries.
If you need to get your hands on white eggplants for personal consumption, you can get them from specialty stores or pay a visit to Asian grocers.
Is White Eggplant Different The Same As Purple?
White eggplant has a white flesh after the skin has been peeled off. In the purple eggplant, it is quite different. The flesh is not white but instead has a greenish hue. On average, the purple eggplant is larger than the white eggplant.
Both species of eggplant do not taste the same either. The White eggplant is less bitter than the purple eggplant. It is much denser and creamier than the purple eggplant. The difference between the two eggplants goes beyond the color of their skin or flesh.
Facts You Don’t Know About White Eggplant
- The scientific name for white eggplant is Solanum Melongena. It is part of the Solanaceae family and is related to tomatoes and peppers.
- Many people refer to white eggplants as vegetables because of how they are used. But, it is a fruit.
- The Ornamental variety of white eggplants is used to bring a snowy-white feel to gardens.
- There are different cultivars of the white eggplant namely Tango, White Beauty, Albino, Cloud Nine, Casper, Ghostbuster, and Easter Egg.
- Eggplants have a toxin known as solanine. Raw eggplants are not poisonous and can be eaten. Just make such to avoid eating the stalk.