Aubergine - Eggplant

This plant with its deep purple glossy beauty and unique taste and texture is one of the worlds healthiest vegetables but often neglected to add to our diet.

Eggplant like tomatoes, bell peppers and potatoes are part of the nightshade family (Solanaceae) of vegetables. It grew wild in India but was first cultivated in China in the 5th century B.C and today Italy, Egypt and China are the leading growers of this plant.

A few health benefits of aubergines:

Aubergines have a high water content as well as a good mixture of vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. It is an excellent nutrient because it is a good source of vitamin B, manganese, copper, iron and potassium which protects the heart against free radicals in your body.

Serves as an excellent “Brain Food” as it contains Nasunin in its skin which protects the fatty membrane of the cells in the nervous system and also the brain from chemical damage, offering some defense against degenerative mental disorders like dementia.

It contains an antioxidant – chlorogenic acid which helps balancing your blood sugar levels as it cause a slow release of glucose into the bloodstream.

Ideal for weight Loss because it is high in fiber which makes you feel fuller and is important for a healthy bowel, and it is also low in calories (250ml cooked = 35 calories).

Nutrition Facts: Eggplant

Amount Per 100 grams
Calories 25
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0,2 g 0%
Saturated fat 0 g 0%
Polyunsaturated fat 0,1 g
Monounsaturated fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
Sodium 2 mg 0%
Potassium 229 mg 6%
Total Carbohydrate 6 g 2%
Dietary fiber 3 g 12%
Sugar 3,5 g
Protein 1 g 2%
Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 3%
Calcium 0% Iron 1%
Vitamin D 0% Vitamin B-6 5%
Vitamin B-12 0% Magnesium 3%
*Per cent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs

You can plant them outside in summer or indoors on a sunny windowsill. They thrive in tropical and subtropical climates with hot weather and in full sun. Their soil needs to fertile and well drained. They also need regular moisture and a slow release potassium rich organic fertiliser especially when flowers start forming. They or frost intolerant.

The “Black Beauty” variety will give you a larger fruit but only 3-6 aubergines per plant where as the “Fairy Tale” is smaller but you can get at least 10 aubergines per plant. You need to space your plants 45-60cm from each other and 60-90cm between rows.

HAPPY GARDENING!!

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