Broiled in a Filipino Ensaladang, roasted in a Palestinian Musaqa’a, or grilled in a French Ratatouille, many cuisines around the world showcase the versatility of eggplants. The plant is said to be native to India (where it continues to grow wild), Africa, or South Asia, however, there is no strict consensus. By the 16th century, eggplants had made their way to Europe, where Europeans grew them for ornamental purposes and harvested white, egg-shaped varieties that inspired the fruit’s North American name.
In the United States, the round, deep-purple Globe eggplant is the most common, but a trip to the farmers market during summer through early fall reveals that eggplants actually grow in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Here’s a brief guide to eggplant varieties, from the purple and white-streaked Fairy Tale eggplant to the tiny watermelon-like Thai eggplant, so that you can make the most of eggplant season at the farmers market.