The eggplant is part of the Solanaceae family and it can also be called nightshades. The fruit is also known by the same name and this is used as a vegetable when cooking. The nightshade is related to the tomato and potato and it is most commonly found in South Asia. The eggplant grows to between 40-150 cm and the leaves are coarsely lobed with a length of 10-20 cm in length and 5-10 cm in width.

The flowers of the eggplant are white to purple and the fruit when cultivated is much larger than on the wild form of the plant. The fruit is considered to have a bitter taste but this is not the case when it has been cooked. The bitterness of the plant is removed when it is cooked and the plant is capable of absorbing sauces allowing for some very rich dishes. The seeds and the skin of the plant are edible and the eggplant is used in many different dishes throughout the world. Some of the most famous dishes that it is associated with are the French Ratatouille, the Arabian Moussaka and the Italian melanzane alla parmigiana.

The eggplant is used in Asian cuisines such as with Chinese cuisine the eggplant is stewed, stuffed, braised and steamed. In Thailand the eggplant is known as Makhua Pro and the eggplant can be found in the famous dish Thai Green Curry. The Solanaum is similar to a green pea but the peas can not be used as a substitute for the eggplant. Thai Green Curry is a very popular dish and it can be served spicy although you may ask for any street vendor or restaurant if they could not to add spicy peppers. A very tasty dish indeed.