How much do you know about eggplants, apart from them being the most widespread, low-priced, and versatile vegetables you will find in just any market? You will find them in a variety of dishes.
It is an important ingredient in Italian, Mediterranean, and Indian diet.
These purple veggies have different names ranging from aubergines, garden eggs, and brinjal depending on which part of the world you may happen to be.
Eggplants can be consumed in various forms - in salads, casseroles, stew, one-dish saucy meal combined with meat, or in vegetable form as sidings.
They fit almost in any form of foods.
You will get a delicious meal if you make use of the freshest ones.
Eggs plants come in a number of varieties and colors ranging from a deep, dark purple to a pale mauve.
You need to shun those that have already turned pale because the paleness is a sign that they are over-matured.
Look at the shape of the egg plant as well.
Because round ones tend to have more seeds, you may want to consider picking more of the elongated ones.
Generally, the small to medium-sized ones are better while the longer and fatter ones have harder seeds.
Be careful not to pick one with small holes as there are higher chances that they have been penetrated through by worms.
Here are clues that will help you identify good eggplants.
Gently press the skin of the eggplant with your thumb and forefinger.
Fresh ones tend to have smooth and firm skin, and will leave behind a depression that you will see bounce back up.
One with an indenture that remains is usually too mature and possibly has its inside too mushy.
Good ones are also heavier than they look.
You don't need to purchase eggs plants in large quantities as they tend to go bad easily.
In fact, they should be cooked within two days of purchase.
You should consider keeping them in a cool dry place rather than in the ref.
What makes eggplants an essential solution to staying young and fit? They are low in saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol.
Also embedded in them are Vitamins C and B1, proteins, and some extremely strong phytonutrients.
The flavonoids in them exhibit cancer fighting properties.
More over egg plants also has antioxidants compounds such as caffeic and chlorogenic acid.
Nasunin shields you from cell membrane damage and restrain the buildup of free radicals.
The potassium contained it them is essential in regulating your blood pressure.
It also contains anti-bacterial and diuretic effects.
The list is endless.
What else do you need to keep your body strong and healthy? Although some people may find it really hard adjusting to the diet of eggplants, there is a way they can be cooked to make them more appealing.
You don't want to miss out on the benefits this vegetable has to offer.
Remember, maintaining a healthy body gets harder as you grow older.
And yet, fruits and vegetables are what make everything a lot simpler.
Yes, there may be a lot more other healthy foods, but you have every reason to slot in eggplants to your regular menu.