Description
Solanum melongena (Eggplant /Aubergine)
Jewel series – Jet, Jade, Ivory, Amethyst, Marble
The first series bred for patio containers and pots available in five colours with a natural compact plant habit. All colours have a good taste fruiting at the same time and continually throughout the summer, if picked regularly, once they reach egg size. The fruits are produced continuously and can be harvested regularly – little and often – which means that they can be added to the family menu as a regular feature.
‘Jewel Jet’ has shiny black fruits
‘Jewel Amethyst’ has purple fruits
‘Jewel Jade’ has green fruits
‘Jewel Ivory’ has white fruits
‘Jewel Marble’ has stripes of purple on a white background
English common name: Eggplant / Aubergine
Typical fruit weight: 50-80 grams
Typical fruit size: 10 x 6cm (length x width)
Typical fruits per plant: 20
Maturity: Early
Best period to harvest: as soon as the fruits attain their final size. If the fruits change colour to yellow (if white, marble or green) or have an underlying yellow tinge (if black or purple), then this is botanic ripeness and the fruit will taste somewhat bitter. Harvest when the fruit is young give the best culinary results.
Production: greenhouse and open field.
Best pot size for sales: 1.5 L; best pot size to grow on to fruiting 2 L+. Plants need good fertilisation throughout their growth.
Culinary use: Sliced in Asian stir fries or baked in Mediterranean dishes. Many recipes using the fruit can be found online.
