When most of us picture an eggplant, we see a glossy, deep-purple, pear-shaped vegetable. It’s rich in color, savory in flavor, and perfect for everything from grilled summer dishes to hearty casseroles. But here’s something many people never realize: eggplant is actually a fruit, and more curiously, its name has very little to do with the way it usually looks.
Or so we thought—until a viral Reddit photo changed everything.
It showed a type of eggplant that actually does look like an egg—small, white, smooth, and oval. For the first time, people everywhere are finally understanding why it’s called an “egg” plant in the first place.
So let’s dive into the fascinating story behind the name, the differences between white and purple eggplants, and what makes this unique fruit so versatile in the kitchen.
A Closer Look at the Name “Eggplant”
Most of us grew up eating the large, dark purple version of this fruit—sometimes called aubergine in Europe. It’s used in dishes like eggplant Parmesan, ratatouille, baba ganoush, or simply sliced and grilled.
But historically, eggplants weren’t always big and purple. In fact, when European farmers first encountered them in the 1700s, they more closely resembled small white or pale yellow eggs. Naturally, these farmers named the fruit “eggplant” because it reminded them of goose or duck eggs growing on a vine.
That original egg-shaped form still exists—and that’s exactly what the viral Reddit photo showcased. For those unfamiliar with heirloom varieties, it was a surprising and oddly delightful revelation.
White vs. Purple Eggplant: What’s the Difference?
While purple eggplants dominate most supermarkets, white eggplants—sometimes referred to as white aubergines—are still cultivated and enjoyed, especially by home gardeners and specialty produce enthusiasts.
Here’s how they compare:
1. Appearance
- White eggplantis typicallyoval or egg-shaped, with a creamy, pale skin.
- Purple eggplantis usuallylarger, more elongated, and has that iconic dark purple hue.
- Both varieties can grow in multiple shapes and sizes—long, round, or mini—but the color sets them apart.
2. Flavor & Texture
According to Specialty Produce, white eggplants are mild, slightly fruity, and mellow when cooked. They’re especially well-suited to lighter dishes that highlight subtle flavors.
- Raw eggplant, in general, has a spongy textureand can tastebitter, which is why it’s almost always cooked.
- Once cooked—whether it’s grilled, roasted, sautéed, or fried—eggplant becomes soft and rich, soaking up the flavor of anything it’s cooked with.
3. Skin & Cooking Prep
- White eggplant has thicker skin, which can sometimes turn chewy when cooked. It’s often recommended topeel it before cooking.
- Purple eggplant has thinner skin, which usually cooks down well and doesn’t need peeling.
No matter the variety, the key is to avoid overcooking, which can make the flesh mushy and less appetizing.
How to Cook Eggplant (And Make It Delicious)
Whether you’re working with white or purple eggplant, the cooking methods are largely the same. The trick is to let the eggplant absorb flavor while preserving texture.
Top Cooking Methods:
- Grilling: Slice into rounds, brush with olive oil, and grill until golden and soft.
- Roasting: Cube or halve the eggplant and roast in the oven with herbs and oil.
- Frying: Perfect for dishes like eggplant Parmesan—just coat with breadcrumbs and pan-fry.
- Sautéing: Combine with garlic, tomatoes, or fresh basil for a light pasta topper.
- Baking: Stuff with a mixture of rice, veggies, and cheese for a hearty vegetarian meal.
Why You Don’t See White Eggplant in Most Stores
While purple eggplant is widely available, white varieties are less common in grocery stores. However, they can often be found at farmers markets, specialty stores, or through seed catalogs if you’re growing your own produce.
Gardeners love white eggplants for their unique appearance, tender flesh, and productive yields in home gardens.
A Fruit With a History
Eggplants have been around for centuries. The earliest known reference dates back to 544 AD, mentioned in an ancient Chinese agricultural text. But it wasn’t until centuries later, when egg-shaped varieties reached Europe, that the name “eggplant” stuck.
So while the purple version became more popular, the original name refers to something far more literal—because the fruit really did look like an egg.
Fun Fact: Eggplant Is Technically a Berry
Yes, it’s true. Eggplants are not only fruits, but botanically classified as berries. That’s because they develop from a single flower with seeds inside the fleshy part—just like tomatoes and bananas.
The Takeaway
That viral photo of a small, white, egg-shaped fruit did more than surprise a few curious Redditors. It reconnected us with the real history of the eggplant—and reminded us that the foods we eat every day often have fascinating stories behind them.
So next time you’re in the kitchen, whether you’re roasting slices of aubergine or stuffing a globe eggplant with herbs and grains, you’ll know you’re cooking with a fruit that’s been misunderstood, renamed, and loved for centuries.
And now, you know exactly why it’s called an eggplant.
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