Eggplant: Extra Long Purple
(Solanum melongena)
Eggplant is a popular solanaceous garden vegetable grown for its edible fruit. There are many varieties of this strong upright plant. Some produce fruits that are long and thin, some produce round fruits, and others large bell shaped fruit. The varieties range in color from white to purple to black. Eggplant is best when harvested young before the seeds begin to mature. It is cooked and eaten by itself or in savory dishes.