STRIPED TOGA Eggplant Seeds Heirloom Aubergine

STRIPED TOGA Eggplant Seeds (Solanum aethiopicum)

Price for Package of 10 seeds.

Not only beautiful, it is delicious also! Eggplant heirloom variety, the plants are high yielding, the oval shaped fruits grow in small clusters together, fruit size is about fruits 7.5cm long x 2.5cm. The fruit start green with darker green stripes later turning yellow and beautiful glossy orange with green stripes. Highly decorative for flower arrangements and fruit plates. The small fruits are edible. Plant high 1-1.20m

Current Facts

Toga eggplants, botanically classified as Solanum aethiopicum, are a rare heirloom variety belonging to the Solanaceae, or nightshade family, which contains 3,000 species including tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes. Also known as Striped Toga eggplants, Toga eggplants are mostly used as an ornamental in home gardens. Toga eggplants can be left hanging on the stems and used in fresh or dry floral arrangements where they will last for several months.

Nutritional Value

Toga eggplants contain small amounts of protein, starch, and minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium.

Applications

Toga eggplants are best suited for cooked applications such as grilling, frying, and sautéing. They are popularly sautéed and used alongside other vegetables in stews as their flavor alone can be bitter. Toga eggplants retain their color when fried and can add an attractive dash of color to dishes. They can also be grilled on skewers and served as a side dish or incorporated into curries for added crunch. Toga eggplants pair well with tomatoes, peppers, feta, garlic, onions, and meats such as chicken or pork. Toga eggplants will keep up to a week when stored whole in the refrigerator. 

Ethnic/Cultural Info

Toga eggplants are thought to have been created from African varieties of eggplant. Eggplants in Africa are used as a staple cooking ingredient and are sometimes dried in rural areas that struggle with access to electricity and refrigeration. In Ghana, eggplants are among the most-consumed vegetable and are commonly eaten raw or used in stews. 

Geography/History

Toga eggplants are believed to have originated in sub-Saharan Africa and were brought to Europe via the slave trade where they are commercially produced today. Toga eggplants can be found at specialty grocers and farmers markets in Europe, Africa, South America, and the United States.