Japanese eggplant are slightly smaller than Chinese eggplant and have the same dark purple skin as the American and Italian varieties. Also quick cooking but not as mild as Chinese eggplant, they’re excellent for grilling and broiling, and they stand up to the assertive flavors of garlic, soy, and ginger..
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How do you peel Japanese eggplant?
Thoroughly clean the eggplant in cool water and pat dry. Peeling is not completely necessary as the Japanese eggplant has very thin skin. But if your recipe calls for peeled eggplant, remove the skin in a strip pattern rather than removing it wholly. Leaving a bit of skin adds flavor and color to the dish.
Do I need to refrigerate eggplant?
Room temperature: You can store whole eggplants at room temperature. (Cut eggplant needs to go into the refrigerator or freezer.) Place the eggplant in a paper bag or a vented bowl. No need to tightly close the bag or cover the bowl—eggplants require airflow to stay fresh.
What is the difference between Chinese and Japanese eggplant?
Characterized by their long, narrow shape, both Japanese and Chinese eggplant can be hard to differentiate. Japanese eggplant tends to have a much deeper purple color, while Chinese eggplant is usually lighter, more lavender-purple, and is sometimes even longer.
How do you cut a Chinese eggplant?
Place both eggplant halves flat-side down. Then, holding one half firmly on the cutting board, position the blade at the top, about an inch from the side, and slice diagonally toward the bottom center.
What is Chinese eggplant good for?
Low in carbs and calories, it contains fiber, protein, manganese, folate, potassium, vitamin K, vitamin C, and small amounts of niacin, magnesium, and copper. Because Chinese eggplants are high in fiber, they are filling, so they are a good choice for weight loss regimens.
How does Chinese eggplant taste?
Chinese eggplants are long and thin with vibrant lavender skin and white flesh, and can appear either crooked or straight. They taste mildly sweet and hold up when cooked.
What is the best tasting eggplant?
Sweet, tender, flavorful and creamy, Fairy Tale are simply the best eggplants we’ve ever tasted,” says Taylor. This quick-cooking variety is so delicious that it doesn’t even need to be salted. Taylor suggests slicing them lengthwise, then tossing them into stir-fries or sautés, or skewering them on the grill.
How do you clean Chinese eggplant? 
What does Chinese eggplant taste like?
Chinese eggplants are long and thin with vibrant lavender skin and white flesh, and can appear either crooked or straight. They taste mildly sweet and hold up when cooked.
Can you eat Japanese eggplant raw?
Like all other eggplant, Japanese eggplant is never eaten raw. But unlike larger, seedier eggplant, Japanese eggplant generally doesn’t need salting. Because of its firm texture, which turns creamy during cooking yet holds its shape, Japanese eggplant is especially good for baking, broiling, grilling, and stir-frying.
How do you cut Chinese eggplant?
Cut each eggplant in half lengthwise, then cut diagonally into 1/2-inch slices.
Why is it called Chinese eggplant?
Chinese eggplant, botanically classified as Solanum melongena, is the name given to hundreds of eggplant varieties that are considered native to or cultivated throughout China and Asia.
Can you eat Chinese eggplant raw?
Can You Eat Eggplant Raw? Luckily, the answer is yes! While the leaves and flowers can be toxic, the eggplant itself is safe to consume both raw and cooked, and the compound that some might be sensitive to, solanine, is only toxic when consumed in large quantities.
Should Japanese eggplant be refrigerated? Eggplants do not store well for long periods of time. Without refrigeration, eggplants can be stored in a cool, dry place for 1 or 2 days. If you don’t intend to eat the eggplant within 2 days, it should be refrigerated.
How do you keep Chinese eggplant purple? 
Why is eggplant not good for you?
Eggplants are part of the nightshade family. Nightshades contain alkaloids, including solanine, which can be toxic. Solanine protects these plants while they are still developing. Eating the leaves or tubers of these plants can lead to symptoms such as burning in the throat, nausea and vomiting, and heart arrhythmias.
What is another name for Chinese eggplant?
In Chinese cuisine, eggplants are known as qiézi (茄子).
What is the healthiest way to eat eggplant?
Do eggplants make you poop?
Helps digestion– Eggplant is rich in fiber so it helps control your blood sugars and lower the risk of heart disease. Eggplants are often referred to as a natural laxative, helping to relieve constipation.
How do you use eggplant skin?
This is a great way to use those eggplant skins and make them crunchy.
Crispy Crusted Stuffed Eggplant skins
- Indian Eggplant in 5 spice blend (South Indian)
- Honey Mustard grilled veggie sandwich (for grilled eggplant)
- Aubergine/Eggplant Masala (North Indian)
- Ratatouille crepes (French influence)
How do you store Chinese eggplant?
Do you have to soak eggplant before cooking?
Soak eggplant slices or cubes in milk for about 30 minutes before cooking. The milk not only tempers the bitterness, but it actually makes for eggplant that is extra creamy, since the vegetable acts like a sponge and soaks up a good amount of milk in its flesh.
Can I freeze eggplant? Yes! You can absolutely freeze eggplant. Eggplant that has been frozen and thawed will never be exactly like fresh eggplant, but there are some things you can do to preserve the texture and taste.