Embracing Eggplants: from seed to supper

From the first days of spring, eggplants are those plants that take a long while to grow in Johannesburg. In a typical year, I find that I only harvest eggplants (and incidentally, even sweet peppers) in the latter days of summer. March and April happen to be the height of my eggplant harvest season. Some people enjoy eggplants throughout summer but I have not that success. I enjoy eggplants in late summer and early autumn and I embrace this completely. These sun-worshipping plants seem to benefit from the hot summer sun and afternoon thundershowers.

I did not grow up eating eggplants although I was aware of them as a child. They are not a staple part of the average Zulu family's diet. My family called them “uBrinjolo” (brinjals) but I since discovered that eggplants are also called aubergines. As my love for gardening has grown, eggplants have become a constant part of my summer seed sowing. I have learned how to cook them in a way I can enjoy. Eggplants are also very healthy – they are rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins, and vitamins C and A. They offer a good dose of essential vitamins and minerals like potassium, manganese, copper, and B vitamins, supporting heart health, blood sugar control, and cognitive function.

This year, I am proud to say that I successfully grew two varieties of eggplant; Black Beauty and Rosa Bianca. There's something deeply satisfying about nurturing a tiny seed into a bountiful eggplant harvest. Next summer, I will try growing more varieties of eggplant – the more the merrier!

For now, you can see my eggplant plants on my Instagram page @Gardenmyheart_book. Happy harvesting!