We only know eggplants from the supermarket with a shiny purple skin. There are countless varieties. Light green, deep red, light purple with stripes - the egg fruits surprise the gardener with a variety of different colors and shapes.
What types of eggplant are there?
There are many types of eggplant that differ in color, shape, taste and consistency. Popular varieties include Antigua, Apple Green, Barbentane, Blue Queen, Black Beauty, Little Spooky, Orange Prince, Udmalbet and Violetta di Firenze. Choose varieties that suit your taste and intended use.
Choosing the right varieties
Planting eggplants in the garden or on the terrace is not considered a bit difficult for nothing. The heat-loving fruits do not ripen well in cool climates. However, there are now many varieties that are more robust and that you can harvest earlier. When you buy seeds for eggplant, be sure to sow the appropriate varieties.
Taste counts too
Not all eggplants are the same. Almost every variety has its own unique aroma. Many taste creamy with a slight mushroom aroma. Others are very spicy. Unfortunately, some varieties tend to become bitter quickly. Choose the varieties that are closest to your taste if you want to harvest eggplants in your own garden.
The pulp – Do you like it crunchy or soft?
How firm the pulp is plays a role in its use. If the fruits are to be baked in a pan or grilled, it is an advantage to sow firm eggplant varieties. Even if you want to dry eggplants, varieties with firm flesh are more suitable. For vegetable dishes, it is better to choose varieties with soft flesh.
Does it always have to be purple?
Most gardeners tend to sow purple eggplants in the garden. They look particularly decorative. Other varieties also become an eye-catcher in the garden or on the terrace. Choose light green, white or orange varieties when caring for eggplants.
Popular varieties
- Antigua: purple-white stripes, soft
- Apple green: green, solid
- Barbentane: dark purple, soft
- Blue Queen: white-blue, soft
- Black Beauty: dark purple, soft
- Little Spooky: white, soft
- Orange Prince: green-orange, solid
- Udmalbet: white-dark purple stripes, not completely solid
- Violetta di Firenze: white-light purple, soft
Tips & Tricks
Pay more attention to early-ripening varieties if you want to grow eggplants in the garden. When growing in a greenhouse, the duration of vegetation is not of great importance. Here you can harvest eggplants until spring.