National Eggplant Month

National Eggplant Month is observed throughout July and celebrates eggplant’s culinary versatility and nutritional value. The unofficial observance has no sponsor and encourages people to incorporate eggplant into their diets.

Eggplant (Solanum melongena), also known as aubergine, is a member of the nightshade family. It most likely originated in Asia, particularly India and China, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. Ancient Chinese texts contain the earliest written records of eggplant, and the plant later spread to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Although it was initially viewed with suspicion in Europe because of its relation to other nightshades, eggplant was widely embraced there by the 18th century.

There are many varieties, including large globe eggplants, slender Japanese and Chinese types, small green Thai eggplants, deep-purple Indian eggplants, and white eggplants. Its spongy texture absorbs flavors well when the vegetable is grilled, baked, fried, or stewed. Eggplant also appears in dishes such as Middle Eastern baba ghanoush, Italian eggplant Parmesan, and French ratatouille. National Eggplant Month is a chance to learn more about the observance and the many varieties of eggplant.

How to Observe National Eggplant Month

Celebrate by preparing eggplant in a new way—grill, bake, fry, or stew it—and explore dishes such as baba ghanoush, eggplant Parmesan, or ratatouille. Compare different varieties, such as globe, Japanese, Thai, Indian, or white eggplant, and learn the names used for it in other languages, including aubergine, brinjal, and melanzana.

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