China Agriculture View

eggplant

Eggplant is a kind of  common vegetables in China and most other  countries. I think the name of eggplant is comes from the shape it is. A kind of eggplant is elliptical and looks like the eggs. But today, the eggpalnt has many of breeds with different shapes. Eggplant is a cold-sensitive vegetable that requires a long warm season for best yields.Eggplants are slightly larger plants than peppers and are spaced slightly farther apart. Eggplant requires careful attention for a good harvest.

Choose the best time to grow eggplant
Eggplant is best started from transplants. Select plants in cell packs or individual containers. It is important to get the plants off to a proper start. Do not plant too early. Transplant after the soil has warmed and the danger of frost has passed.

Spacing and Depth
Set standard-size varieties 18 to 24 inches apart; compact and dwarf kinds can be a little closer together. Stake tall varieties to keep the fruits off the ground.

How to care the eggplant
Place a paper collar around each stem to deter cutworms, and add floating row covers or cloches to protect new plants from cold, wind and insects.Given sufficient moisture and fertility, eggplant thrives in the heat of summer.

Harvest
Your eggplants will taste best when young. Start harvesting when the fruits reach 1/3 their full growth. They are ready once the skins turn glossy. Once the outside skin turns dull they are past their prime and will contain lots of seeds. Cut the stems with a sharp knife to prevent damage to the vine.Remember to pick the ripe eggplant timely, or the eggplant is not tasted well and at the same time the new born eggplants have not enough nutrition.

Enjoy Your Fruit:
To prepare eggplants for cooking, sprinkle cut slices with salt and allow the juices that form to drain away in a colander. After 30 minutes or so, rinse well and pat dry. The eggplants will be less bitter and easier to cook.