Origin
Solanum melongena (eggplant) is grown worldwide for its edible fruit. Eggplant belongs to the Solanaceae (nightshade) family in the genus solanum of the Plantae kingdom. Eggplants in most cuisines are used as vegetables; it is related to tomatoes and potatoes.
The seeds can be eaten just like tomatoes and can be cooked like potatoes. Eggplants are commonly purple and highly absorbent of ingredients such as oil and flavors when used in cooking.
Botanics defines eggplant as a berry; it is low in micronutrient and macronutrient. Aubergine (a french name for eggplant) is a tropical perennial plant with a spiny stem, and the flowers are white to purple. Eggplants are delicate, and most species are white and longer in shape, while other common species are oval-shaped, slick and purple with white flesh and a soft texture.
Nutrient Composition Of Eggplant
The following are the lists of nutrients contained in 100 grams of Eggplant:
- Calories 25
- Total Fat 0.2g
- Polyunsaturated fat 0.1g
- Sodium 2mg
- Potassium 229mg
- Total Carbohydrate 6g
- Dietary fiber 3g
- Sugar 3.5g
- Protein 1g
Preferred Botanical Name: Solanum melongena
Preferred Common Name: Eggplant or Aubergine
Medicinal Properties and Uses Of Eggplant
The following are the properties and uses of eggplant:
- Anthocyanins are present in eggplants; it protects against cellular damage due to antioxidant properties.
- Fiber and polyphenols present in eggplants help to reduce blood sugar levels.
- Eggplant is a good vegetable choice for a weight loss diet because they are high in fiber and low in calories.
- Eggplants can be used as a substitute for high-calorie ingredients.
- Eggplants contain many vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, K, and B6, thiamine, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, fiber, acid, potassium, niacin, folic acid, and more.
- The high fiber content in eggplants improves gastrointestinal health.
- The fiber in eggplants does more than just aid in the digestion process; it also helps improve your heart health.
- Eggplant contains some antioxidants like manganese which defends the body against diseases like cancer and other infections.
- The unique coloration is more useful than simply being pretty to look at. The compound that produces this coloration reduces osteoporosis, develops stronger bones, and increases bone density. Eggplant contains minerals like calcium and iron, which promotes good bone health.
- Iron present in eggplant helps to fight conditions like anemia.
- Phytonutrients are rich chemicals contained in eggplants; phytonutrients promote good mental health.
HOW TO GROW EGGPLANT
Yield Information Of Eggplant
A standard eggplant produces egg-shaped glossy, purple-black fruit. A plant can yield 4 to 6 large rounded fruit.
Nursery and Transplant Requirements Of Eggplant
Start seeds indoors in flats or peat pots. Seeds germinate quickly at temperatures between 70 to 90°F. Transplant seedlings when they are up to 6-to-8-weeks old. Do not transpant eggplant into the garden until after the last threat of rainfall and cold.
If purchasing transplants: Buy high-quality specimens. Do not purchase tall, spindly plants or young plants with blossoms, or you will have a lower yield. Warm soil with a black plastic mulch cover before setting out transplants.
Stake the plants right away (just an inch or two from the plant) to provide support as they climb and to avoid disturbing the soil later. In cold climate areas, keep the eggplants warm and sheltered, and you can use row cover to do so. When there is warmth, open the ends of the row covers to enable bees to pollinate.
If transplanting, set 3- to 4-inch tall seedlings 2 to 2½ feet apart in rows 3 to 4 feet apart. After planting, water well. Add a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Soil and Sun Requirements Of Eggplants
A well-drained sandy loam or loam soil and soil rich in organic matter is the most suitable soil for growing eggplant. Soil pH between 5.8 and 6.5 is best for growing eggplant. Higher organic matter content in the soil implies a greater growth rate for plants, so include a 3-to-4-inch layer of compost if possible. Weed the farm, then till the soil 6 to 10 inches deep.
Watering Requirements Of Eggplants
Water plants adequately to a depth of 6 inches, do not overwater to become too saturated. Deep but irregular irrigation is ideal for mature eggplants, but plant leaves should not wilt during the day. Use a soaker hose or drip system for irrigation; avoid stand-watering as it can lead to plant disease infection. Young plants should be watered twice a week to a depth of 12 inches in hot climates.
Planting and Spacing Requirements Of Eggplants
Eggplants are tall growing plants; they should be spaced 24 to 36 inches apart. Adding compost mixture to the planting hole will hold moisture and fertilizer and improve the hole. Water plants well before adding mulch.
Harvesting Of Eggplants
Harvesting time depends on the eggplant variety; some can be harvested within 65 to 80 days after transplanting. It will take up to 100 to 120 days to harvest eggplant planted from seed. Months of the year suitable for harvesting eggplant are July, August, and September (even into October), depending on location and plant species.
Young eggplants have better taste than mature ones, so do not delay in harvesting eggplant as the plants will keep producing new fruits when old ones are harvested.
Under Ripe or overripe eggplant fruits can taste bitter; ensure that you do not pluck underripe fruit or leave it till it gets overripe. The skin of ripe fruits will fail to rebound to fingernail pressure. Ready-to-harvest eggplant skin looks slick and smooth, the color is uniform, and seeds will be soft and formed. Bitter eggplants will have faded skin with dark and hard seeds.
Eggplant has a tough stem; do not try to pull the fruit. Use a sharp knife to cut the fruit off close to the stem above the calyx (green cap), leaving about an inch of it attached. Use gloves while cutting the fruit, as the green cap can be prickly.
Storage Of Eggplant
Store eggplant in the refrigerator. The optimal conditions for storage are temperatures of 45 to 50 °F and 90-percent relative humidity for one week.
The following are precaution measures to take that will preserve your harvested eggplant:
- Exposing eggplant will cause it to perish quickly; therefore, only wash or cut eggplant when ready to use immediately to preserve the skin.
- Refrigerate eggplant within 2 days of harvest. Wrap eggplant with a paper towel and place inside a perforated plastic bag or container in the crisper unit of your refrigerator for use within 5-7 days.
- Eggplant changes color after cutting it open for use; to avoid this, use a marinade with salt, vinegar, or lemon juice.
Disease and Pest Of Eggplant
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Blossom-end rot
Symptoms of blossom-end rot are small water-soaked edges on fruits. If the blossom occurs on unripe fruit, the lesion enlarges and turns sunken with a black and leathery appearance. Insufficient calcium concentration in fruits causes blossom-end rot. Low calcium may result from competition from other active ions (such as potassium), too much application of nitrogen fertilizer which fasten vegetative growth, instability in soil moisture, or drought stress.
Solutions to blossom-end rot are:
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- Soil pH should be maintained at 6.5
- To increase the concentration of calcium, lime the soil; this will also reduce competition with other ions.
- Mulch the soil to reduce drought stress.
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Cercospora leaf spot Cercospora melongenae
A fungus causes this, and symptoms show on the lower part of the leaf first and then upward. Symptoms are small circular or oval chlorotic spots on leaves, changing the leaf center from light to dark brown, expansion of lesions, leaves may develop concentric zones, and severely infested leaves may desiccate and curl, then drop from the plant.
Solutions to Cercospora leaf spot Cercospora melongenae
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- Water plants in the morning to enable plants to dry during the day.
- Do not water the plant top but the base to avoid leaf wetness.
- Applying protective fungicides can prevent the disease from affecting plants.
- To reduce moisture in the plant canopy, use adequate plant spacings.
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Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew affects eggplant, and it shows on the leaves as white powdery spots which may turn yellow and die. Powdery mildew is best controlled by the prevention method. Practicing prevention measures such as planting resistant varieties, full-sun planting, and providing good air ventilation for the plants will prevent powdery mildew. Do not water the leaves but the base of the plant.
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Flea beetles
Flea beetles are a common pest to eggplant, and it damages young seedlings the most. Grown healthy eggplants can withstand flea beetle infestation; therefore, plant young seedlings under row cover until they grow to withstand the attack of flea beetle.
Conclusion
Eggplant is an exceptional addition to any healthy diet, as its nutritional benefits far outweigh its humble appearance. Bursting with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, this unassuming vegetable boasts remarkable abilities to support digestion and facilitate weight management. Its impressive arsenal of antioxidants, including the potent nasunin, actively safeguard cells from damage and inflammation, effectively reducing the risk of chronic illnesses. Furthermore, eggplant heroically aids in maintaining heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and regulating blood pressure.
Eggplant is a true powerhouse of nutrients, packed with essential elements like potassium and B-vitamins that promote brain function and boost overall cognitive health. What’s more, this vegetable’s versatility in the kitchen adds a delightful and nourishing touch to a wide range of dishes, making it a must-have for any well-rounded diet.