The eggplant (Solanum melongena) is an annual plant, which can measure up to 1 meter in height. It is a very healthy food, low in calories and carbohydrates. It contains minerals such as: zinc, potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, calcium and vitamins A, C, folic acid and small amounts of vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6. With eggplant we can prepare a wide variety of delicious recipes for different occasions, from parties, meetings and even dinners at home with guests, whether roasted, baked, fried, steamed, stewed, etc.
Types of eggplants.
Striped aubergine from Gandia: characterized by stripes on the fruit.
Black beauty eggplant: has a dark purple color, and size is a bit long.
White eggplant: It is a round eggplant, large and white. It is no longer cultivated, since large, pointed spines develop in the calyx, making it difficult to handle it in the field, on the market and in the kitchen.
Metro aubergine: it is long (30-40 cm) and thin (5 to 8 cm wide).
Benefits:
Eggplant is rich in fiber and is composed mainly of water (92.6%) and carbohydrates (3.5%). This, added to their scarce fats and proteins. Among its benefits we have:
- It contains antioxidant properties.
- It helps control sugar and cholesterol levels.
- Protects the liver
- Improves intestinal activity and prevents constipation.
- It is antibacterial, diuretic and antiviral.
- Beneficial for the treatment of obesity.
- Helps keep the nervous system healthy and increase defenses.
- Recommended during pregnancy.
- It has laxative effects.
- Among other.
How to grow eggplant.
Extract the seeds of the ripe fruits.
Eggplant requires soils rich in organic matter and with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8
They need a lot of space to grow and expand, so we must select a ground plot, container or pot big and with good drainage.
This crop requires sufficient sunlight, around 10 to 12 hours a day.
The seeds can be planted directly in the soil, plastic bags, pot, containers, etc., but we must take into account that the transplant of the seedlings is done when measuring from 8 to 10 cm.
The seeds is sown to a depth of approximately 2 cm and then covered with the same land.
The separation between plants varies according to the variety and climate of the region, but these range from 60 cm to 1 m between each row of planting and 50 cm to 1 m between each plant.
Irrigation should be done frequently to keep the soil moist, but without puddling.
Eliminate the weeds that grow around our plants.
Sometimes, these plants need to tie their branches to vertical poles or other supports that can be used so they do not fall, all this with great care.
The harvest is collected 3 to 5 months after sowing, depending on the crop and growth conditions. One way to know if the eggplant is ready to be harvested is when its skin is shiny and smooth.
Recommendations:
Its consumption should be moderate.
Eggplant should never be consumed raw, as it contains alkaloids that cause digestive problems and can sometimes be toxic.
People who suffer from stomach problems and inflammatory joint disease, should consult with their doctor before consuming it.