Hey there, fellow gardeners! There are so many incredible brinjal varieties out there, and it’s a shame that so many of us are limited to just a few GMO varieties that lack flavour and nutrition. By growing heirloom vegetables, we can not only support biodiversity and sustainability, but we can also enjoy the delicious and unique flavours of these rare varieties.
Get ready to learn about some unique and amazing brinjal varieties that you won’t find in the market.
Best Brinjal Varieties
1. Mattu Gulla
A prolific producer with exceptional disease resistance. This brinjal variety is native to Karnataka, India, and is known for its bright green colour and creamy texture. It has a slightly sweet flavour and is perfect for use in Indian curries and pickles.
It’s a vigorous plant that grows well in hot and humid conditions, making it a popular choice for gardeners in tropical regions.
- Days to Maturity: 75-85
- Growing Conditions: Warm, hot
- Containers: Large
- Colour: Green, white stripes
- Taste Profile: Mild, sweet, and delicate flavour.
2. Kamo Eggplant
A highly prized brinjal variety originating from Japan. It has a thin skin and soft, tender flesh, making it perfect for use in stir-fries and grilling. This variety is easy to grow and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.
Kamo brinjals are also known as Kamo Nasu, named after a place and river in Kyoto, Japan.
- Days to Maturity: 70-80 days to maturity
- Growing Conditions: Warm season annual
- Containers: Medium
- Colour: Purple-black skin
- Taste Profile: Sweet and mild flavour
3. African Eggplant
Unique looking and interesting taste! Also known as garden egg or bitter ball, this brinjal variety is popular in African and Middle Eastern cuisines. It has a small and round shape, with a white or green exterior and a spongy interior.
The vigorous plants produce heavy yields. This variety is easy to grow and produces well in the field as well as in greenhouse conditions.
- Days to Maturity: 75-85 days to maturity
- Growing Conditions: Warm season annual
- Containers: Large
- Colour: Light green sphere-like to oval-like brinjal.
- Taste Profile: Sweet and mild flavour
4. Rosa Bianca
This Italian variety has a unique lavender and white striped skin and a mild and creamy flavour. It has a meaty texture and is perfect for grilling or roasting.
Rosa Bianca is a favourite among heirloom gardening enthusiasts because it’s simple to grow and thrives in warm weather.
- Days to Maturity: 78-83 (Spring/Summer)
- Growing Conditions: Warm season annual
- Containers: Medium
- Colour: Light Pink and White
- Taste Profile: Sweet mild flavour, creamy, and zero bitterness.
5. Chinese String Eggplant
This thin and long variety is popular in Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisines. It has a delicate flavour and a tender texture, making it perfect for stir-fries and salads. It has a thin skin that is edible and is often used in Chinese medicine for its health benefits.
Chinese string brinjal is easy to grow and produces very high yields early in the season.
- Days to Maturity: 75-85 (Spring/Summer)
- Growing Conditions: Warm season annual
- Containers: Medium
- Colour: Purple fruits
- Taste Profile: Sweet buttery flavour
6. Cambodian Green Giant Eggplant
As the name suggests, this variety is huge and can grow up to 10 inches long and 4 inches wide. It has a slightly bitter flavour and is often used in Cambodian curries and stews. It’s a hardy plant that is resistant to pests and diseases, making it a popular choice for gardeners in humid regions.
- Days to Maturity: 80-90 (Spring/Summer)
- Growing Conditions: Warm season annual
- Containers: Large
- Colour: Green striped
- Shape: Large Round, and slightly ribbed
7. Aswad
This deep purple brinjal variety is native to Iraq and has a rich and meaty texture. It has a slightly sweet flavour and is perfect for grilling or roasting. It’s a productive plant that is easy to grow and can adapt well to different growing conditions. It’s also resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance variety.
So if you are looking for a brinjal that has a good flavour, a good size, and is interesting to look at, then you should consider growing the Aswad.
- Days to Maturity: 90 days
- Growing Conditions: Warm season annual
- Containers: Large
- Colour: Deep purple skin
- Taste Profile: Sweet, tender flesh
Conclusion
GMO brinjals often lack the nutrients and flavour that we find in heirloom varieties, and they are often developed for commercial purposes rather than taste or nutrition.
So, let’s take a stand and grow our own heirloom brinjals! At Mountain Top Seed Bank, we have preserved many rare and unique varieties for you to try. Get your hands on some heirloom brinjal seeds today and start growing your own amazing brinjals!
