Solanum Melongena L.(Solanaceae)
It is a low-growing bushy annual. The fruit is a smooth, ovoid or elongated, white or purple berry.
Origin
S. melongenal is thought to have been domesticated in India where wild plants now grow.
The Arabs took the fruit from India to Spain and the Persians from India to Africa. The
specific name 'melongena' is Arabic. Later, the brinjal was taken from Spain to America
under the name berengenas, 'apples of love'.
Health benefits: Low in calories and contains virtually no fat. Lower blood cholesterol and improves digestion.
Cautions: To be eaten sparingly as it may aggravate arthritis in some individuals. In Japan, women are advised not to eat this during pregnancy because it can cause miscarriage.
The long white variety is popular among the Chinese and eaten cooked as a vegetable or stuffed with minced meat. The egg-shaped dark purple variety is mainly consumed by Indians.