AgBC's: E is for Eggplant

Fruit or vegetable? Most people think an eggplant is a vegetable, but it's not...it's a fruit!

Eggplants were first grown in India, but today many countries grow eggplants and they are used in many popular dishes. Although purple eggplants are the most common kind, they come in white or with lavender and green stripes.Some are even long and skinny. Always choose firm, smooth-skinned eggplants from the supermarket and keep in mind that they spoil quickly. In fact, some of the small, white varieties look like eggs...which is how they got their name!

The should be stored in a cool, dry place and eaten within a day or two of purchase.

Now for some hands-on fun:

Pick up a copy of Still-Life Stew by Jelena Clare Pittman.

The fun and colorful book of colors, sizes and shapes inspires a girl's painting and includes a recipe for vegetable stew. After reading the book, put some soup on to simmer and break out the art supplies to make your own vegetable still-life artwork using clays, acrylic paints, or even real vegetables.

This series is inspired by The ABC's of Fruits and Vegetables and Beyond.