Magnificent Melongene

Eggplant (Solanum melongena), also known as aubergine, brinjal or baigan, is a highly underrated fruit. Typically purple with a spongy interior, eggplant belongs to the genus Solanum, which includes tomatoes, chili peppers, and potatoes. Like tomatoes, its skin and seeds are edible, but like  potatoes, it is usually cooked before consumption. Though not as popular in local cooking as  other fruits and vegetables, eggplant  should be a staple on our shopping list as it contains numerous  health benefits.

Eggplants are nutrient-dense, containing vitamins, minerals and fibre. One cup of raw eggplant contains 20 calories, 5 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fibre, and 1 gram of protein. It also includes manganese, folate, potassium, vitamin K and vitamin C along with small amounts of copper, niacin and magnesium. Additionally, eggplants are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage caused by harmful substances.

One overlooked benefit is eggplants potential to reduce heart disease risk. Due to their high antioxidant content, studies suggest that regular consumption of eggplants may help reduce cholesterol levels and offer overall heart protection. If you are diabetic, adding eggplants to your diet may help keep your blood sugar in check. Their high fibre content, along with polyphenols, reduces sugar absorption and increases insulin secretion, which can help lower blood sugar.

If you are trying to lose weight, eggplants are a must-have in your diet because of the high fibre content. Most impressively, eggplants contain several substances that show potential in fighting cancer cells. If you want to plant your own melongene tree, it’s quite easy. Start with a healthy seedling —there are many varieties available, so choose the one that suits you best.

When planting seedlings (which should be about four weeks old), add two handfuls of well-rotted manure to each planting hole in clay soils. When transplanting, apply one tablespoon of high phosphorus fertiliser (12:24:12) dissolved in 1 litre of water to fertilise 10 plants. Apply this mixture to the roots or leaves (foliar) and repeat every 14 days for 4 weeks. During the growing stage, apply four tablespoons of high nitrogen fertiliser (20:10:10), either granular or dissolved in water, every two weeks until flowering.

At flowering, apply high-potassium fertiliser (12:12:17+2 plus trace elements) at a rate of 100 grams (7 tbsp) per plant, either granular or dissolved in water, every 2 weeks for the crop’s lifetime.  Apply calcium, either granular or foliar, every two weeks throughout the plant’s life for healthy growth. Monitor pests and diseases and maintain integrated pest management practices. You can harvest eggplants for 6 to 9 months.

Melongene seedlings cost only TT$1.00 per plant and their benefits are vast. I hope you consider these wonderful plants for your garden!