If your passion for eggplants is limited to the deep purple and plump Italian variety, now’s the time to give its siblings — pale purple, striped, white, green or any other color — a try.
Beth Eccles of Green Acres Farm was at the Green City Market recently with six varieties: a Rosa Bianca (plump shaded white and soft purple), a Listada (striped Italian heirloom), the deep purple oblong Italian variety, plus a dark long Japanese variety, a pale mauve Chinese variety and a green Thai variety about the size of a small tomato.
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There are differences between the Italian and Asian varieties, said Eccles, who with husband Brent, has kept alive her grandparents passion for Asian varieties, growing several at their Green Acres in North Judson, Ind. The Asian varieties tend to be a bit sweeter than the Italian varieties, she said. And because of their size, some people just skewer and grill the Thai variety or toss them in a wok or use them in a curry. She’s got more preparation ideas plus tips on storing in this video (chicagotribune.com/eggplant).
Of course, this is also the perfect time to enjoy ratatouille, that Provencal classic that marries eggplant with tomatoes, onions and bell peppers which are filling farmers markets throughout the area (for a listing of farmers markets go to: chicagotribune.com/farmersmarkets).
Twitter @judytrib