English Name: EGGPLANT ASIAN BRIDE (ORIENTAL BI-COLOUR)
Asian Name: qie zi, ai kua, terung
Latin Name: Solanum melongena
Description:
- Sturdy, compact bush bearing 2 to 3 eggplants per cluster.
- The fruits are shaped like long, straight, fat fingers.
- The skin is blush or rose over white in colour when mature with creamy white flesh in the centre.
- Annual to a height of 1.5m.
Harvesting:
- Begin harvesting when the fruits are about 8cm long and 2cm in diameter. The sooner the fruits are picked, the better they taste.
- Use fruit soon after harvesting and use a sharp knife to cut the fruit off the plant.
- If the skin has started to wrinkle, the fruits are too mature and the flesh will be coarse and tough.
Best Results:
- Eggplants prefer deep, fertile soil so add organic matter before planting out.
- Plant in full sun and water regularly.
- Feed every two weeks with a liquid fertiliser.
- Stake the plants to help support them and prevent the fruit from touching the ground.
- Use a stainless steel knife to prepare fruit.
Uses:
- Asian Bride is great to grill, saute and stir-fry.
- Try roasting whole, sliced or stuffed.
- Add to casseroles and stews or bake, boil or mash.