30+ Aubergine

The name aubergine evolved from a Sanskrit word that means 'plant that cures the wind.' Unlike other nightshades, the aubergine comes from India and not South America. The first variety cultivated in Europe was white and egg-shaped, hence the alternative name, eggplant.

Like all nightshade plants, aubergine contains nicotine. However, you would have to eat

9-10 kg of aubergine to get the same amount of nicotine as in one cigarette.

Aubergines are a good source of vitamins B1, B6 and K, potassium, phosphorous, copper and magnesium. They also contain calcium, iron, vitamin C, folate and fibre. Their phytonutrients are antioxidants, support digestion and are cardio and neuroprotective.

Aubergines are eaten in curries, stews, bakes, moussaka, lasagne, tabbouleh, miso aubergine and in the Middle Eastern dip, baba ganoush.