The health benefits of aubergines. Share: Full of vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre and with the potential to lower cholesterol and help manage weight, aubergines are a great choice for salads, stews and beyond . Our nutritionist shares the health benefits, ongoing research and history behind this versatile ingredient.
What is an aubergine?
Along with tomatoes, potatoes and bell peppers, the aubergine ( Solanum melongena ) belongs to the nightshade plant family ( Solanaceae). In fact, aubergines grow in a manner much like tomatoes, hanging from the vines of a plant that grows several feet in height.
How to harvest aubergines?
Once the eggplants are ready to be harvested ( around 70- 80 days after planting out and 100-120 days from germination), look for shiny, well-rounded fruit with plump, smooth 2 Storing and Using Your Aubergine. A few extra ideas to look into are 3 aubergine varieties, 5 your questions answered, or 4 aubergine pests.
One answer is, if you don’t have a heated propagator but are in a cooler climate, consider growing aubergines in a greenhouse or a cold frame. If you don’t have any of these available and want to plant them directly outside, it is vital to wait until the soil temperature is hot enough.
How to grow aubergines in a raised bed?
Always plant out your aubergines in full sun, in a warm spot where the soil temperature will build and retain heat and ensure the plants are well protected from strong winds. Fertilize the soil in your container or raised bed about a week in advance of planting to a depth of around six inches . Use organic material, such as manure or frass.
Do aubergines need to be refrigerated?
Once harvested, aubergines may be kept in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Depending on the variety, you can use aubergine for cooking a wide variety of dishes . One popular one is baba ganoush, an eggplant puree made with tahini and olive oil. This is a lovely dip for a sharing plate.