Plant histories
The history behind a number of crop plants.
Looking at where they originated, their domestication, the introduction of these crops to Europe, how European attitudes to them changed over the centuries and ultimately how our changing demands have influenced the plants themselves.
Domestication of the eggplant
It is not known exactly where the eggplant was first domesticated but most botanists think that ancient civilisations in southeast Asia were the first to grow, and gradually improve, eggplants for eating. Over many years, they selected seeds to grow for the next season only from plants with preferred qualities. The favoured plants most likely had tastier (less bitter) and bigger fruit, and smoother stems
Eggplants were grown in China as early as 59 BC and Chinese people used some of the techniques that are still used today including hybridisation or cross breeding to create their own varieties of different shaped and coloured fruits. The long and slender eggplant varieties are today referred to as Chinese eggplants.
In China, as part of her “bride price,” a woman used to be required to produce at least 12 eggplant recipes prior to her wedding day.
Long thin eggplants known as 'Chinese eggplants'.
Photographer: jslander. Copyright: CC
Eggplants grow well in hot temperatures and don’t like frosts so they grow very well in warmer parts of the world such as southeast Asia, South America and southern Europe. They are traditionally a summer vegetable although now it is possible to buy eggplant almost all year because many farmers use greenhouses. As our climate warms, eggplant may be set to spread in both cultivation and popularity.
Of all the world’s eggplant production, Asia grows 78%, and Turkey grows 19% which is the highest production in the EU. European eggplant harvests are often consumed locally and also exported to colder countries in northern Europe.
