Mon, Jun 30, 2008
Mind Your Body, The Straits Times
5 things to know about the eggplant
>1. The eggplant, also known as aubergine, melanzana, garden egg or brinjal, comes in a variety of shapes and sizes - white, green, yellowish, purple, or purple-black. It is actually a fruit - a berry - and part of the nightshade family which includes potatoes and tomatoes.
2. Eggplants originated in India and have been cultivated there, in China and neighbouring countries since pre-historic times, according to www.foodreference.com
3. They are very perishable and become bitter with age, and should be stored in a cool, dry place and used
within a day or two of purchase. Store in plastic bags if refrigerated, advises www.bellybytes.com
4. They are low in calories and fat. Eggplant is a nutrient-dense food which will help you feel full. They contain almost no calories - one cup, cubed (about 80g), has just 20 calories.
5. It's a good source of dietary fibre, potassium, manganese, copper and thiamin (vitamin B1). It is also a good source of vitamin B6, folate, magnesium and niacin and contains phytonutrients (organic components of plants thought to promote health).
This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times on June 25, 2008.
