It seems the eggplant has been misrepresented as of late. Or perhaps it's more accurate to say that the eggplant has been misunderstood its entire existence. In the effort to debunk some of the more egregious claims made against it, I spoke with the only three experts worth consulting when it comes to this very ancient produce. After all, they were responsible for its destiny.
Myth 1: Eggplant is inherently bitter.
From the dawn of eggplant's existence, it has battled this terrible rumor, but we are here to set the record straight: Eggplant's bitterness is a result of old age. Let our own experience with that state of being serve as a testament to that truth. The longer eggplant is left to grow or the longer it is left to sit after being picked, the more bitter it becomes. Although most modern-day eggplants have been bred to avoid this quality all together, the risk of bitterness remains when age comes into play. Youth is the easiest way to avoid this all together. Look for small, young eggplants that have been freshly picked. There's a certain buoyancy to them — much like the thread of a fresh mortal soul.
More On Bitter Eggplant
If you do find yourself with bitter eggplant, do not overlook the power of salt to help you offset it.
Myth 2: Eggplant is a vegetable.
Eggplant is very much a fruit and, botanically speaking, considered a berry. But much like Hercules, eggplant has proven itself as a hero beyond its categorization. While it is a fruit, it's widely accepted and used as a vegetable. While there's no Mount Olympus for eggplant to pine for and no Zeus for it to impress, its ability to shape-shift into a most-convincing meat alternative has led us to recognize the eternal value of this plant. It gets our golden thread seal of approval.
5 Ways Eggplant Can Play the Role of Meat
You are what you believe you are. In this case, eggplant thinks it's meat and we're happy to play along.
Myth 3: Eggplant is deadly.
Eggplant's association with death largely stems from its categorization as a nightshade. This is family of plants, also known as Solanaceae, also includes a number of familiar vegetables that do not carry the same stigma as the eggplant, namely potatoes, tomatoes, and Capsicums like chilis and bell peppers. While some individuals have discomfort as a result of eating these plants, eggplant is often singled out as the cause for madness. We have seen the past, present, and future, and this is simply not the case. Although if you are still concerned, a word of caution: Avoid eating the flowers of the garden egg in any great quantity to be safe.
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