13 Best Eggplant Varieties to Grow [with Recipes & Photos] (2024)

Asian Eggplants (Chinese and Japanese)

Asian eggplants refer to a group of eggplant varieties that are commonly cultivated and consumed in various Asian countries. These Asian types differ from the more common Western varieties in terms of size, shape, and color. Asian eggplants are generally longer and more slender than their Western counterparts, and they come in a range of colors, including purple, green, and white.

1. Chinese Eggplant

Chinese eggplants are a distinct variety of eggplant known for their long and slender shape, resembling a cucumber. They come in various colors, with shades of purple being the most common. Chinese eggplants are characterized by their thinner skin and fewer seeds compared to larger eggplant varieties. They are very similar to Japanese long varieties (see next section).

Chinese eggplants are commonly used in Asian cuisines, particularly in stir-fries, braised dishes, and other recipes where their shape and texture contribute to the overall dish. They are widely available in Asian grocery stores and have gained popularity in many parts of the world for their versatility and unique culinary attributes.

Personal Seed Recommendation: Asian Delite from Johnny’s Seeds

2. Japanese Eggplant

Japanese eggplants are a distinct variety known for their long, slender shape and vibrant dark purple color. These eggplants typically have a thinner skin and fewer seeds than larger varieties. With a mild and slightly sweet flavor, Japanese eggplants offer a tender and creamy texture when cooked.

They are commonly used in Japanese cuisine for dishes such as tempura, miso-glazed eggplant, and stir-fries. Their slender shape makes them convenient for slicing and cooking, and their ability to absorb flavors makes them a popular choice in various Asian recipes. I like to use them in other ways, such as in my caramelized eggplant hummus.

Japanese eggplants are often available in both Asian grocery stores and mainstream supermarkets, contributing to their versatility in home cooking.

Personal Seed Recommendation: Orient Express from Johnny’s Seeds

3. Turkish Delight

Even though the name might be confusing, this hybrid eggplant variety is actually an Asian type. Well, I suppose that makes sense, as Turkey is partly located in Asia!

This variety was one of my most productive and reliable varieties. The plants are sturdy and can withstand strong winds. I still recommend you stake them.

The color is a deep purple (almost black). It has a small seed cavity and the thin is thin enough. It can be sauteed or grilled.

Globe Eggplant (or American Eggplant)

Globe eggplants are a type of eggplant characterized by their round or globe-like shape. Typically medium to large in size, these eggplants feature smooth and shiny skin that ranges in color from deep purple to dark purple, or nearly black. With a mild and slightly sweet flavor, the creamy white flesh of globe eggplants makes them a versatile ingredient in various culinary applications.

4. Black Beauty

Readily available at most if not all grocery stores, the Globe eggplant is popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, globe eggplants are used in recipes such as ratatouille, eggplant Parmesan, and Mutabal (roasted eggplant dip). Black Beauty is an heirloom variety that grows very large dark purple (almost black) fruits.

Their adaptability to different cooking methods, including roasting, grilling, sautéing, and baking, adds to their widespread culinary use. Widely available in grocery stores, farmers' markets, and specialty food stores, globe eggplants contribute to the diversity of eggplant varieties enjoyed in global cuisine.

Italian Eggplants

Italian eggplants, also known as Mediterranean eggplants, are a variety of eggplant that is commonly grown and used in Italian cuisine. These eggplants have specific characteristics that distinguish them from other varieties, and they play a significant role in traditional Italian dishes.

5. Standard Italian Eggplant

Similar in many ways to the Globe Eggplant, the Italian variety is characterized by its medium to large size and distinctive round or oval shape. These eggplants exhibit a dark purple, sometimes lighter, smooth skin, encapsulating a cream-colored, tender flesh. They are excellent options for making dips, frying, sautéing, baking and slow roasting. I like to use this type on my upside down rice recipe, Maqluba.

Personal Seed Recommendation: Gaudi or Nigral from Johnny’s Seeds

6. Rosa Bianca

The Rosa Bianca eggplant is a distinctive and visually appealing variety known for its round and squat shape. Characterized by a vibrant lavender or pinkish-purple hue and mottled patterns, its skin is both tender and edible. Just make sure not to let it grow on the vine too long or else the skin will toughen up quickly.

This Italian heirloom eggplant has a creamy, ivory-colored flesh with a delicate flavor that is less bitter than some other eggplant varieties. The Rosa Bianca eggplant can be used in many ways, including grilling, roasting, and sautéing. It’s so incredibly beautiful and if you are planning to grow eggplants in your garden, I highly recommend you include this variety!

7. Graffiti (also known as Zebra or Nubia)

The Graffiti eggplant is a visually striking and distinct variety known for its slender, elongated shape and vibrant coloring. It has a gorgeous purple and white coloration and I like to think of it as both edible and ornamental in the garden.

You’ll often find this variety in specialty stores and your farmers market in the summer and fall months. However, more and more greenhouse growers are expanding beyond the standard varieties and you might find this one in your local grocery store all year round.

A great option to use in my Eggplant Bruschetta.

Personal Seed Recommendation: Nubia or Annia from Johnny’s Seeds

8. Sicilian Eggplant

The Sicilian eggplant, a cherished variety in Southern Italian cuisine, is known for its bulbous and curved shape and its deep purple skin.

Commonly used in classic Sicilian dishes such as caponata and involtini di melanzane (eggplant roll-ups), it absorbs flavors well during cooking. Whether grilled, roasted, or incorporated into casseroles, the Sicilian eggplant contributes to the hearty and savory essence of Mediterranean cuisine, embodying the culinary traditions of the region.

Miniature Eggplants

Miniature (mini) eggplant varieties include a diverse group of small-sized eggplants celebrated for their compact form and unique flavors. Think Gretel, Fairy Tale, or Thai eggplants – these little guys come in all shapes and colors (long ones, round ones, white ones and black ones). They pack a punch of unique flavors.

9. Patio Baby

As the name suggests, this variety is well suited for patios (in other words, container growing). The fruits are dark purple and egg-shaped, making them an excellent substitute for Indian Eggplants. They can be grilled, stuffed, roasted and sauteed.

They grow on prolific vines in clusters. I highly recommend this variety to anyone with only a balcony or terrace garden.

10. Fairy Tale

The Fairy Tale eggplant is a whimsically named variety that stands out for its slender and elongated shape, featuring vibrant purple and white stripes. These petite and visually appealing eggplants are known for their tender skin and creamy, non-bitter flesh. They grow almost like little fingers on the vine.

They can be challenging to use in standard eggplant recipes because they don’t have much flesh to them. I like to slice them and grill them. They can also be sauteed.

11. Indian Eggplants

The Indian eggplant, also known as the brinjal, is a prominent vegetable in Indian cuisine, prized for its versatility and distinctive flavor. Generally small to medium in size, it features a glossy, deep purple skin and a firm, creamy flesh. With a slightly bitter taste, the Indian eggplant adds a robust and savory element to a variety of dishes.

It is commonly used in curries, bhartas (mashed vegetable dishes), and stuffed preparations. The vegetable's ability to absorb spices and seasonings makes it a popular choice in Indian cooking, contributing to the complexity and depth of flavors in many traditional recipes.

This mini variety is also used in Middle Eastern cuisine and is the basis for Makdoos (pickled eggplants with walnuts)

12. Thai Eggplants

The green Thai eggplant, often referred to as the "green eggplant" or "apple eggplant," is a distinct variety that plays a prominent role in Thai cuisine. Characterized by its small, round shape and vibrant green color, this eggplant adds a unique texture and flavor to Thai dishes.

With a slightly bitter taste, the Thai eggplant contributes a refreshing and crisp element to curries, stir-fries, and soups.

As a mini eggplant, it is prolific and will grow in clusters. Make sure to harvest while the eggplants are still green and before they turn yellow or brown.

13. Gretel

The Gretel eggplant is a petite and elegant variety that stands out for its small, elongated shape and pristine white color. Similar to Fairy Tale, it has a mild, delicate flavor with a tender texture. They don’t have much flesh to them, so they are more suitable for frying or grilling whole.

Gretel eggplants grow in clusters on vines that will produce all season long. I personally recommend growing this variety because It’s both productive and ornamental.

Growing Eggplants in Containers

I wholeheartedly recommend growing eggplants in containers, even if you have access to raised beds and in-ground garden beds. There are several reasons for this:

• When you grow in containers, plants are not competing for nutrients with other plants in the same bed
• Containers warm up faster in the spring than in-ground or raised beds, meaning that your eggplant seedlings will establish quicker and set fruit sooner

When Should You Harvest an Eggplant?

This is one of the most common questions I get. Eggplants should never be harvested when they are ripe. A ripe eggplant is mushy, orange/brown, and full of seeds (this is ideal if you plan to save seeds to replant). However, for eating, you want to harvest the fruit before the seed cavity begins to swell. This can be difficult to determine.

Recipes that Feature Eggplants

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