Overseas names for eggplant include aubergine in Europe and brinjal in India. May. All produce is sold on the domestic market and there are no exports. Eggplant needs more warmth than most vegetables and slightly more warmth than tomatoes. It grows as a small bush up to 1.5 m high. It is a short-lived perennial, but is treated as an annual in commercial production.
Fruit is glossy, normally purple, with firm white flesh and small seeds.
Fruit size is usually 8 to 20 cm long. Eggplant has moderate nutritional value and the flavour is bland. It can be boiled, grilled, baked or fried and used in a number of dishes such as moussaka, parmagiana and ratatouille. Climate Eggplant is damaged by frost and low temperatures. Cold weather will retard crops and reduce yields.