Graffiti Eggplant is a variety of the common one that’s also known as Listada de Gandia. It’s similar to the ordinary eggplant in every way except the way it looks and a sweeter taste. It’s this taste that made it a staple of the chefs and high end cuisine overall.
They are also smaller than the regular variety which makes them more expensive and easier to manage both in the stores and delivery and in the kitchen.
Graffiti Eggplant Trivia
- It’s also known as Shooting star
- It contains a significant amount of nicotine
- It’s sometimes called Japanese eggplant
Graffiti Eggplant Buying Guide
This eggplant is a bit smaller than the ordinary variety but other than that, all the rules regarding how to cook it, prepare it and choose it in a store are pretty much the same. You should look for the eggplants that are firm and that clear and shiny skin.
The smaller the plants are the sweeter and easier to cook they will be, but have in mind, this is relative to their size.
Graffiti Eggplant Production & Farming in Texas
Eggplants are commonly produced in Texas because there’s a climate and the soil quality there for them. Graffiti Eggplant isn’t the most common variety out there but there’s still a need for it mostly for chefs, restaurants and better supplied markets. They are wanted for their mild flavor.
The plant thrives in heat, meaning that burning Texas climate presents a great opportunity for those who grow eggplants to do it successfully and in great quantities. Eggplants keep producing all the way up the fall when the night become cooler.
They are planted via transplantation meaning that you should prepare the seeds and plant them indoors until they grow and are large enough to be transplanted in the soil directly. One should happen four to six weeks before the other. The seeds should be planted ½ inches deep in a moist soil.
Harvesting should be done once the eggplant reaches the size you’re comfortable with. For graffiti eggplants that will be smaller than the ordinary ones. The skin of the plant should appear to be glossy and that’s the sign of its health.
Flea beetles and spider mites are the most common enemies of the eggplant and they are dealt with by using pesticides.
Pesticides
The insecticides used by vegetable farmers on eggplant include profenofos, triazophos, chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, and malathion. Residues from their application have been found in both the soils of eggplant farms and in harvested fruits.
Geography
It’s believed that eggplants originate from India and that they were once small teardrop multi colored plant. Via trade routes coming from India they’ve found their way to Europe and there they have become a part of local culture and folklore.
The explorers and conquerors of 15th century brought the plant to America and now it’s grown everywhere. Graffiti eggplants are mostly grown for commercial markets and chefs in high end restaurants so they are mostly there for the urban market.
It was widely believed that eggplants are aphrodisiacal quality and they are related to sexual drive.
Packaging
The skin of the plant is a protection on its own. That means that there’s not that much packaging to do and they are mostly transported from the farms in cardboard boxes. Some grocery stores also wrap them up in plastic in order to keep them fresh for longer. However, with the growing concern of the use of plastic this is no longer an option for many groceries.
Enjoying Graffiti Eggplants
Graffiti eggplant is similar to an ordinary eggplant but it’s smaller, more tender, and sweeter in taste. It’s also a vegetable that takes less time to cook so that’s something that you need to take into account when preparing it.
They don’t need to be salted and dried before cooking as is the case with ordinary eggplant. That’s because they are not as spongy as other varieties of eggplant. Because of their texture the best way to cook them is grilling, sauteing and pan-frying.
Storage
Eggplants should be placed into plastic bags and kept in the crisp part of the fridge. If it can’t fit in a drawer, you can keep it on the self. There’s no need to wash or cut the eggplant before storing it. In fact, they will last longer if you don’t.
Cooking
There are a lot of different ways to cook eggplants and here are a few that are best suited to graffiti eggplant variety.
Grilling the eggplant over a hot flame will make it smoky and give it smooth look and taste that’s combined with the other ingredients you mix it with. It’s best if the slices are cut to be ½ inch each and if you use a kitchen brush to soak them in oil.
If you want to make sure that there’s not too much oil on your eggplants than the best option for you is sautering. Cut the eggplants in cubes to make the most out of this process. Use the spatula to move eggplants around on the frying pan while sautering.
Nutrition
Eggplants are a nutrient-dense food, meaning they contain a good amount of vitamins, minerals and fiber in few calories. One cup (82 grams) of raw eggplant contains the following nutrients: Calories: 20 Carbs: 5 grams Fiber: 3 grams Protein: 1 gram Manganese: 10% of the RDI Folate: 5% of the RDI Potassium: 5% of the RDI Vitamin K: 4% of the RDI Vitamin C: 3% of the RDI
In addition to containing a variety of vitamins and minerals, eggplants boast a high number of antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that help protect the body from damage caused by harmful substances known as free radicals.
Studies have shown that antioxidants could help prevent many types of chronic disease, such as heart disease and cancer.
Eggplants are especially rich in anthocyanins, a type of pigment with antioxidant properties that’s responsible for their vibrant color.
In one study, rabbits with high cholesterol were given 0.3 ounces (10 ml) of eggplant juice daily for two weeks. At the end of the study, they had lower levels of both LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, two blood markers that can lead to an increased risk of heart disease when elevated.
Other studies have demonstrated that eggplants may have a protective effect on the heart.
When Are Graffiti Eggplant in Season in Texas?
To find out when Graffiti Eggplant are in season in Texas, please check the seasonal chart below. Why is this important? We are rarely encouraged to think about the physical lengths our food travels before arriving on the market shelves. And all of this travel comes with a hefty environmental cost that is concealed from the consumer’s eye. One of the most salient benefits to eating seasonally is that you are effectively reducing your carbon footprint and supporting a more geographically sustainable food economy. Check other fruit and veg that’s in season in Texas now.
