Is Eggplant Named Because It Tastes Like Eggs?
Many people wonder whether eggplants are called eggplants because they taste like eggs. Surprisingly, this is not the case. The name comes from the appearance of the plant's seeds and the plant itself in its early years.
Origins of the Name
The first eggplants introduced to England looked like small, round eggs. As a result, they were called eggplants. However, this naming convention did not last long. Later varieties arriving from France were named after the French word for these plants, which is aubergine.
Despite the legendary name, eggplants do not taste or look like eggs. In fact, the plant's seeds are small, white spheres that resemble eggs, leading to the name's origin. When planted, they grow into a succulent plant bearing purple, spongy fruit. The plant's vibrant purple color makes it a popular ornamental addition to gardens and a versatile ingredient in culinary creations.
Diverse Varieties of Eggplants
There are many different types of eggplants, with one of the most intriguing being the white eggplant. This variety has a rounded shape and is approximately the same size as an egg. Like a tree-hung egg, it certainly looks like a smaller version of the vegetable. However, it shares no resemblance in taste.
The white eggplant, despite its name and appearance, has impressive nutritional value. It is rich in protein, fat, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber. Additionally, it provides an array of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, zinc, and selenium, as well as manganese. The content of vitamin P and vitamin E in white eggplant is exceptionally high, which is significantly more than that found in ordinary purple eggplants.
Health Benefits of White Eggplant
Vitamin P, a flavonoid found in white eggplant, possesses several health benefits. It can increase the elasticity and toughness of capillaries, break down fat in the blood, reduce the level of LDL-C, and increase the level of HDL-C, which is beneficial for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health. Similarly, vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin with strong antioxidant properties. It can remove harmful free radicals, protect cells, and delay the body's aging process.
Alternative Names and Usage
The term eggplant is hardly used outside the United States, where it is commonly known as eggplant. In the United Kingdom, it is called aubergine. The name eggplant can indeed seem as if the plant grows from planting eggs, which is a humorous and whimsical thought, but it does not reflect the actual eating experience with the vegetable.