Queen Aubergine
Purple, the rarest color in nature, yet in the modern quest to eat the rainbow, a necessary edition. For this, we cue the eggplant. Or don’t…she may not listen anyway, depending on which variety you’re talking to. Aubergine, as some call her over-seas, is regal, dignified, and exclusive, but also multifaceted. The Queen of Hearts of the plant kingdom, she can transition between bitter, sweet, and back again if not watched by a pardoning eye. Many know of her, but only a special few soldiers realize her many different faces, as well as the tricks to humor her. I however, feel it unfair to write about Her Majesty and not tell you how to get on her agreeable side. Below, I have outlined a procession of the many forms of Queen Aubergine for you to follow. But, remember, we are merely students of nature, and this botanical berry may keep surprising you with her range of different styles.
Side note: does it really simplify the cause to call botanical fruits that are used in savory dishes “culinary vegetables”. As the gender spectrum progresses toward the goal of allowing unbiased self expression, savory fruits should be considered under the same morals.
Anyway, without further ado, the first queen of the Night Shade family, here comes the American Eggplant. Unsurprisingly, the biggest and fattest of all the queens, she is just slightly more globe shaped than her cousin the Italian Eggplant, who is slimmer in the bottom and a bit more tender. Together they are adorned in glossy purple-black coats and bright green crowns. Their meaty textures demand to be sliced and salted before being cast upon the grill, roasted, or fried. Next comes the Japanese and Chinese Eggplants. They are much more long and narrow than their cousins, yet equally difficult to differentiate. The Japanese Queen claims to be a bit darker in appearance, and the Chinese Queen a bit longer, but both have nice thin skin, minimal seeds, and extra creamy flesh, making them ideal for grilling whole or simmering in stir-fry’s. Coming in a bit farther back, the miniature Fairy Tale Eggplant can be seen looking up to her Sicilian sister, finding comfort in the similar purple and white stripes lining their bodies. This unique appearance gives them both a better sense of humility than the rest of their family, and they take well to all preparations, cooking up quickly due to their small stature. The Indian Eggplant is the baby of the family, smaller than the even the Fairy Tale queen. She is much more squat with reddish-purple skin, and is usually found swimming in curries, or roasted and stuffed during the holiday’s. Attempting to take center stage comes the White eggplant, basic. Sought after for a skin color that seems unique and inspiring, she is the same texture and skill level of the American Eggplant without the additional anthocyanins, needing to be reminded of her place now and again. Lastly, the Thai eggplant. Tiny, round, and greenish white, she has stepped away from the royal colors that dictate her family line, and is thus, slightly more bitter and difficult to find. She still carries herself royally though, standing up to spice exceptionally well, she brings honor to her family in stews and curries across the country. This is the family of Queen Aubergine.
