The History and Evolution of Eggplant Names

From creamy white egg-shaped fruit to varying shapes and colors, eggplants have a rich history tied to different naming conventions. In this article, we explore the origin and evolution of the terms eggplant, aubergine, and brinjal, and why they have become popular in different regions and languages.

Origin of the Term "Eggplant"

Interestingly, there is at least one strain of eggplant with creamy white, egg-shaped fruit that has led to the nickname "eggplant" for many other varieties. In the United States, many people call eggplants eggplant because they think the vegetable looks like an egg. However, eggplants come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. In the subcontinent, the term brinjal is commonly used, which is not from a local language or dialect but a specific 'English' term invented for the plant and widely used among English speakers in India.

Historical Context

The early European varieties of eggplants bore fruit that were white or yellow-white and about the size of a goose egg. When the fruit was formed, they were white and egg-shaped, growing longer and later turning purple. The term eggplant was first written down in 1763 and originally referred to white cultivars, which resembled white eggs. The shift in naming conventions happened in two main parts of the world, North America and Great Britain.

The British "Aubergine"

The British term aubergine entered the English language in 1796, a borrowing from the French a diminutive of auberge, a variant of alberge, which means 'a kind of peach'. The term was originally used in England for white eggplants. The aubergine name in French also carries its own etymology, with the term auberge itself likely borrowed from a Germanic root. TheFrench term was less commonly used outside of cooking circles in English-speaking countries.

Why Americans Call Them "Eggplant"

While the British call them aubergine, Americans often use the term eggplant. This is due to the early settlers in America being reminded of the English term but later adopting the French term. However, when the early varieties of eggplants were introduced, they were initially named eggplant in Britain by John Abercrombie in his book "Every Man his own Gardener" in 1767. This term was used to describe the white-fruited variety but was later extended to the purple-fruiting variety. The preference for eggplant in America may be due to the difficulty in spelling aubergine.

Other Historical Names for Eggplants

Before the terms eggplant and aubergine became popular, terms like mad-apple and rage-apple were coined in 1598. These names suggest a time when the vegetable might have been seen as a medicinal or somewhat mysterious fruit, given their local names and the etymology of the term.

Understanding the history and evolution of different terms for eggplant not only provides insight into linguistic and cultural diversity but also highlights the importance of naming conventions in cuisine. Whether you call it an eggplant, aubergine, or brinjal, the plant remains a versatile and tasty ingredient enjoyed worldwide.