Aubergine, also known as eggplant, is a unique and versatile vegetable that comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Whether you’re looking for a classic purple or something more exotic, there are many different types of aubergine to choose from.
As a seasoned horticulturist and gardener, I would like to share my knowledge about 16 different types of eggplants and their unique characteristics. From exotic foreign varieties to standard grocery store types, there is something for everyone.
Come with me to learn about the different kinds of eggplant and find out which ones will work best for your garden.
How Many Varieties Of Eggplant Are There?
According to a rough estimate, there are almost 18 varieties of eggplants or aubergines available. When it comes to aubergines, there are countless varieties available. Depending on the region, you’ll find a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors of eggplant.
In general, most varieties of eggplant have deep purple skin. However, some may be green, white, or yellow. The most common eggplant is the globe or American variety, which is large and round with deep purple skin. But beyond this, there are so many more types of eggplant out there to explore.
In addition to the global or American variety, several other types of eggplant have unique characteristics and flavors. Depending on the variety, aubergines can range in size from as small as a grape to larger than a football. And they come in all shapes and sizes too—from round and bulbous to long and slender.
16 Different Types Of Eggplants And Their Characteristics
The world of eggplants is vast, and there is something to suit everyone’s taste. Eggplants come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. Each type of eggplant has its own unique characteristics that make it stand out from the rest.
Eggplant Types Profile in Table Form
| Eggplant Type | Taste | Characteristics |
| Tango Eggplant | Strong | Medium-sized with a dark purple skin |
| Santana Eggplant | Bitter | Large and elongated with a dark purple skin |
| Ping Tung Eggplant | Never Bitter | Long and thin with a light purple skin |
| African Garden Egg Eggplant | Bitter | Large and round with a greenish-white skin |
| Chinese Eggplant | Slightly Taste | Long and thin with a dark purple skin |
| Indian Eggplant | Mild Flavor | Small and round with a greenish-white skin |
| Italian Eggplant | Salty and Umami | Large and elongated with a dark purple skin |
| Japanese Eggplant | Milder | Long and thin with a dark purple skin |
| Little Green Eggplant | Sweet | Small and round with a green skin |
| Fairy Tale Eggplant | Delicious | Small and round with a purple and white striped skin |
| Globe/American Eggplant | Mild & Sweet | Large and round with a dark purple skin |
| Graffiti/Zebra/Sicilian Eggplant | Semi-sweet | Small and teardrop-shaped with a white and purple speckled skin |
| Rosa Bianca Eggplant | Delicate | Large and round with a white and lavender skin |
| Thai Eggplant | Slightly bitter | Small and round with a greenish-white skin |
| White Eggplant | Less bitter | Large and elongated with a white skin |
| PEA Eggplant | Slightly bitter | Small and round with a greenish-white skin |
So let’s take a closer look at the 16 different eggplant varieties out there.
1. Tango Eggplant
Germination Time: 5-10 Days
Tango Eggplant is one of the most unique kinds of eggplant varieties out there. This eggplant stands out due to its striking white color pattern, which sets it apart from other eggplant types.
Unlike other varieties of eggplant, which are either purple or black, Tango has a white color. It is also longer than most eggplants and generally has fewer seeds. This makes it a great choice for stir fry dishes, as it cooks quickly and retains its shape.
Different varieties of eggplant all offer unique flavors and textures. So be sure to try a Tango Eggplant in your next dish.
2. Santana Eggplant
Germination Time: 10 to 15 days
Santana Eggplant is a white variety of eggplant, differing from the more common purple-skinned varieties. This kind of eggplant has thin, smooth skin and is characterized by its long, slender shape. It grows to about 10 inches in length and is native to Asia and parts of Africa.
Santana Eggplant has a mild flavor and a creamy texture that make it ideal for use in both raw and cooked dishes. This type of eggplant pairs well with garlic, tomatoes, bell peppers, and other Mediterranean ingredients.
If you are looking to add some unique flavor to your cooking, try out Santana Eggplant – one of the most popular types of eggplants with pictures!
3. Ping Tung Eggplant
Germination Time: 7-14 days
One of the many types of eggplant is the Ping Tung Eggplant. This type of eggplant is native to Taiwan and it has an oblong shape with a glossy, purple-black color. It’s usually harvested when it’s young, which makes it sweet, tender, and juicy.
It’s also known for its delicious taste, making it a popular choice among different eggplant varieties. The Ping Tung Eggplant is perfect for stir-fries, salads, and even curries.
If you’re looking for eggplant types with pictures, the Ping Tung Eggplant is a great choice for its unique white versus purple look. So if you’re looking for different varieties of eggplant to try out, consider giving the Ping Tung Eggplant a try!
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4. African Garden Eggplant
Germination Time: 7 to 14 days
African Garden Eggplant is one of the most popular types of eggplant in Africa. This type of eggplant has white and purple skin with a shape that resembles an egg. The white vs. purple eggplant gives this variety a unique and beautiful appearance.
African Garden Egg Eggplant is a great addition to any meal, as its sweet and mild flavor pairs well with a variety of dishes. Additionally, this type of eggplant can be used in different ways, from grilling to sautéing.
With its unique flavor and texture, African Garden Eggplant, an eggplant variety, is a favorite among many different eggplant varieties. Its distinct color makes it a great option for adding a splash of color to any dish. So, if you’re looking for a different eggplant variety to try, African Garden Eggplant is definitely worth considering.
5. PEA Eggplant
Germination Time: 3-5 days
The PEA Eggplant is one of the smaller varieties of eggplants, growing to an average size of 6 inches in length. They have green and white striped skin and sweet, juicy flesh that is firmer than other varieties.
This type of eggplant can be used in a variety of dishes, from stews to eggplant parmesan. It can also be used as a garnish or in salads. The best way to cook PEA Eggplant is to roast, fry, bake, or grill it. If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful addition to your dishes, this is a great eggplant option to try.
6. Chinese Eggplant
Germination Time: 10-15 Days
Chinese eggplant is a type of white or purple eggplant with a unique shape. It’s typically slender, long, and curved, often reaching up to 10 or 12 inches in length. The color is a soft white to light purple, with a mild flavor and subtle sweetness.
It’s often used in Asian dishes like stir-fries or braises with pork belly and garlic. This type of eggplant is best cooked quickly over high heat, so it doesn’t become too mushy or lose its shape.
With its unique shape, Chinese eggplant makes a great addition to any dish. Try it in all types of eggplant with pictures for a delicious addition to your meal!
7. Indian Eggplant
Germination Time: 7 to 10 Days
Indian eggplant is a small, round, white-skinned variety of Aubergine. It has a mild flavor that is similar to that of regular eggplants and can be cooked in the same way. This type of aubergine is often used in Indian dishes and curries.
It’s typically added to hot dishes such as masala or cooked in curries and vegetable dishes. Indian eggplant can also be sautéed, steamed, roasted, or grilled and can be served as a side dish or used as an ingredient in stews or sauces.
The smaller size of these eggplants also makes them a great addition to salads and other cold dishes.
8. Italian Eggplant
Germination Time: 10 – 21 days
Italian Eggplant is a type of aubergine that originates from Italy. It is a very unique-looking vegetable with its long, slender shape and deep purple skin. The flavor of Italian Eggplant is milder than other types of eggplant, with a slightly sweet taste.
It’s perfect for grilling, roasting, baking, or sautéing. Whether cooked or raw, Italian Eggplant can be used to make an array of delicious dishes such as ratatouille, eggplant parmesan, and more. Its mild flavor makes it a great addition to your favorite Mediterranean-inspired recipes.
Try adding some Italian eggplant to your next dish for an unexpected flavor twist!
Related Reading:
Complete Aubergine Planting Guide: Tips and Strategies for Successful Cultivation
9. Japanese Eggplant
Germination Time: 7 to 14 days
Japanese Eggplant, also known as Nasu or “Eggplant,” is a long, slender variety of eggplant with shiny, deep purple skin. This type of eggplant is slightly sweeter and less bitter than other varieties and has a firm, creamy flesh.
It’s commonly found in stir-fries, soups, and salads. Japanese eggplants have a delicate, mild flavor that pairs well with fish and seafood. When cooked, their skins become tender and can be enjoyed along with the flesh.
To prepare Japanese eggplant, simply trim off the stem end, slice into pieces, and cook until soft. This type of eggplant is an excellent choice for those looking to add a bit of flavor to their dishes.
10. Little Green Eggplant
Germination Time: 7-14 days
Little green eggplants are small and have a mild flavor. They are usually about the size of a golf ball, with a light green color and a pointed tip. These eggplants are very popular in Chinese cooking and pair well with other vegetables, meat, and seafood.
The flesh is tender when cooked, making it ideal for stir-fries or roasting. Little Green Eggplants can also be steamed, boiled, stuffed, or grilled. Because of their small size, they do not need to be peeled, saving time in the kitchen.
This type of eggplant is high in vitamins A and C, potassium, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. Enjoy their unique flavor in your favorite recipes!
11. Fairy Tale Eggplant
Germination Time: 7-14 days
This type of eggplant is an heirloom variety, which makes it quite unique. It gets its name from its small and cute size, which resembles that of a fairy tale character. It has purple and white striped skin and an oblong shape.
The flavor is mild and sweet, similar to the taste of zucchini. This type of eggplant is usually smaller than traditional eggplants, so it’s great for grilling, roasting, or baking whole. It can also be used in stir-fries, curries, and salads.
If you’re looking for a flavorful and beautiful addition to your next dish, try using fairy-tale eggplant!
12. Globe/American Eggplant
Germination Time: 6-21 days
Globe or American eggplant is probably the type of aubergine most people are familiar with. It is usually the largest variety and has an oval to a pear shape. It has a deep, glossy purple skin, and its interior is white, spongy, and has edible seeds.
Globe eggplant can grow up to 8 inches in length and 4 inches in diameter. When cooked, it has a very mild flavor and a creamy texture that make it ideal for many different dishes.
It’s a popular ingredient for making eggplant parmesan, lasagna, and ratatouille. Its thick skin also makes it ideal for stuffing and grilling.
13. Graffiti/Zebra/Sicilian Eggplant
Germination Time: 7-14 days
This eggplant is a stunning, striped variety with dark purple skin and white stripes. It has a mild flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked. This variety is perfect for roasting, baking, grilling, or stuffing.
The firm texture makes it ideal for adding to salads or making vegetarian dishes. It’s also a great choice for pickling, as it retains its shape and flavor. With its colorful stripes, this eggplant is a great addition to any dish because it adds color and texture that stand out.
This eggplant will add beauty and flavor to your favorite dishes!
14. Rosa Bianca Eggplant
Germination Time: 7-14 days
Rosa Bianca eggplants are a unique variety of aubergine that is much smaller in size than most other types. These eggplants are round and have very thin, soft skin. The flesh inside is creamy white, and it’s often considered one of the sweetest varieties.
The flavor is mild, but there is a hint of bitterness as well. This type of eggplant can be eaten raw, cooked, or grilled. It is excellent served in salads, soups, and stews. They also go great with a variety of sauces and other vegetables.
15. Thai Eggplant
Germination Time: 7-14 days
Thai eggplant is a unique variety of eggplant with its distinctive and vibrant deep skin. These eggplants are incredibly small usually no more than two inches long and oblong in shape.
Thai eggplants have a slightly sweet and almost smoky flavor that can range from mild to strong, depending on how it’s cooked. The best way to prepare Thai eggplant is by stir-frying it with other vegetables, as it can help soften its texture.
Thai eggplant also goes well with curry dishes because its flavor goes well with the other ingredients. When shopping for Thai eggplants, make sure to select firm ones that are free of blemishes or soft spots.
Related Reading:
- 14 Shade Tolerant Varieties Of Tomatoes That Do Not Need Sun
- Different Types of Cucumbers: From Pickling to Slicing, Exploring the Varieties
16. White Eggplant
Germination Time: 10 Days
White eggplant is an intriguing variety of aubergines and often has a milder taste than its purple counterparts. These eggplants typically have an oblong shape and pale yellow skin. When ripe, the skin turns ivory or off-white in color.
The inner flesh of white eggplants tends to be very tender, making them ideal for slicing and frying. These eggplants can also be roasted, grilled, or steamed and are popular in Italian dishes such as caponata and eggplant parmesan.
Conclusion
Eggplant or Aubergine is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways. It’s also a nutritious addition to any meal. With 16 types of eggplant to choose from, you are sure to find one that suits your tastes and preferences.
Whether you want a small, mild-flavored eggplant or something with a bit more spice, there’s an eggplant out there for everyone. Try some of these delicious varieties of eggplant today and experience all the flavor and nutrition they offer.
