Graffiti Aubergine: The Beautiful, Mild-Flavoured Star of the Kitchen Garden
Introduction
If you’ve ever come across a striking purple-and-white striped aubergine at a farmer’s market or in a supermarket, you’ve likely met the graffiti aubergine—also known as the striped aubergine, Sicilian eggplant, or Zebra eggplant.
Not only is it one of the most beautiful varieties of aubergine, but it also boasts a milder, sweeter flavour and creamier texture than its deep-purple cousin. Graffiti aubergines are a culinary delight that work well in everything from grilling and baking to stews and dips.
In this guide, we’ll explore what makes the graffiti aubergine unique, how to cook with it, what it tastes like, its health benefits, and how to grow your own.
What Is a Graffiti Aubergine?
The graffiti aubergine is a variety of Solanum melongena, the same species as traditional aubergines. It gets its name from its stunning purple skin streaked with white or lavender markings, resembling hand-painted graffiti.
Also known as:
- Sicilian aubergine
- Zebra aubergine
- Rosa Bianca (a similar heirloom variety)
- Striped eggplant
Though it looks different on the outside, it’s just as versatile as the classic aubergine—and in some ways, even easier to cook with.
What Does Graffiti Aubergine Taste Like?
Graffiti aubergines are known for their mild, sweet, and creamy flavour.
Key flavour characteristics:
- Less bitter than standard aubergines
- Milder and smoother in taste
- Buttery when roasted or grilled
- Absorbs sauces and seasonings beautifully
- Ideal for people new to aubergines or those who dislike their bitterness
Because of its low bitterness, you typically don’t need to salt graffiti aubergine before cooking—saving time and effort.
What’s the Texture Like?
The texture of graffiti aubergine is:
- Soft and creamy when cooked
- Slightly firmer flesh than traditional aubergines
- Velvety in dips and purees
- Holds shape well in stews or grilling
It’s perfect for dishes that require a tender bite without falling apart.
How to Cook with Graffiti Aubergine
Graffiti aubergine is incredibly versatile and works in nearly every dish you’d use standard aubergine for.
Best cooking methods:
- Grilling: Brings out the sweetness and creates charred skin
- Roasting: Ideal for tray bakes and curry bases
- Stuffing: Holds its shape well when halved and filled
- Sautéing: Quick stir-fries and dry-style curries
- Baking: Perfect for moussaka, parmigiana, or baked slices
- Frying: Crispy strips for tempura or schnitzel-style recipes
Cooking tip:
Leave the skin on to preserve the beautiful colour and lock in nutrients—it softens nicely during cooking and adds visual appeal to any dish.
Delicious Graffiti Aubergine Recipes to Try
Here are some must-try recipe ideas to bring out the best in graffiti aubergine:
- Grilled Graffiti Aubergine with Tahini & Lemon
- Stuffed Graffiti Aubergine with Spiced Lentils
- Graffiti Aubergine Bhaji – Dry-style curry with cumin and tomatoes
- Miso-Glazed Aubergine (Japanese-style)
- Graffiti Aubergine Parmigiana – A colourful twist on the classic
- Roasted Aubergine & Chickpea Traybake
Use it wherever you’d normally use aubergine, and enjoy a milder, sweeter finish.
How Is It Different from Regular Aubergine?
| Feature | Graffiti Aubergine | Regular Aubergine |
|---|---|---|
| Skin | Striped purple & white | Solid deep purple |
| Size | Smaller and rounder | Larger and more elongated |
| Taste | Milder, less bitter | Slight bitterness (often salted) |
| Texture | Creamier and softer when cooked | Slightly spongier when undercooked |
| Cooking Prep | No salting usually needed | Often salted to reduce bitterness |
| Cooking Methods | Grilling, stuffing, roasting | Same, but better suited to stews |
Health Benefits of Graffiti Aubergine
Graffiti aubergines are nutrient-dense, low-calorie, and high in fibre, making them a smart addition to any diet.
Nutritional benefits per 100g (raw):
- Calories: ~25 kcal
- Fibre: ~3g
- Vitamin B6 – Supports metabolism
- Potassium – Supports heart and muscle function
- Nasunin – A powerful antioxidant found in the skin
- Low in carbs & fat – Ideal for low-calorie and heart-healthy diets
They’re naturally vegan, gluten-free, and work well in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Asian diets.
How to Select and Store Graffiti Aubergines
How to choose:
- Look for firm, glossy skin with vibrant striping
- Avoid soft spots or wrinkling
- Should feel heavy for its size
How to store:
- Keep in the fridge crisper drawer for up to 5 days
- Store uncut and unwashed
- Avoid freezing raw—best frozen after cooking or roasting
Can You Grow Graffiti Aubergines?
Yes—and they’re a great variety for home gardeners!
Growing tips:
- Sow seeds indoors: February–April
- Transplant outside: May–June (after last frost)
- Needs full sun, shelter, and rich, well-drained soil
- Grows well in containers, greenhouses, or raised beds
Graffiti aubergines typically produce fruit in 65–80 days and reward growers with high yields and visual appeal.
Are Graffiti Aubergines Rare?
While they’re not as commonly available as traditional varieties, graffiti aubergines are becoming increasingly popular in:
- Farmers markets
- Organic supermarkets
- Seed catalogues and garden centres
They’re considered a gourmet or heirloom variety, so you may pay slightly more—but the taste and aesthetic are worth it.
Conclusion
Graffiti aubergines aren’t just a treat for the eyes—they’re a kitchen favourite for good reason. With their striped beauty, mild flavour, creamy texture, and ease of cooking, they’re ideal for everything from quick midweek meals to weekend culinary experiments.
Whether you’re grilling, roasting, stuffing, or blending them into a creamy dip, graffiti aubergines offer a colourful twist to classic recipes—and they taste just as good as they look.
So next time you see these stunning striped aubergines in a shop or market stall, pick one up—and bring some extra flavour and colour to your plate.
Top 10 Questions and Answers About Graffiti Aubergine
1. What is a graffiti aubergine?
A striped variety of aubergine (eggplant) with purple and white skin and a mild, sweet flavour.
2. How is it different from regular aubergine?
It’s less bitter, creamier when cooked, and has a stunning striped skin.
3. What does graffiti aubergine taste like?
Mild, slightly sweet, and buttery when roasted or grilled.
4. Do you need to salt graffiti aubergine?
No—its bitterness is minimal, so salting isn’t usually necessary.
5. Can you eat the skin?
Yes—the skin is tender and edible, and adds colour and nutrition.
6. Is it good for grilling?
Absolutely. Grilling enhances its sweet, smoky flavour.
7. Where can I buy graffiti aubergine?
Look in farmers markets, specialty grocers, or grow your own from seed.
8. Can I grow graffiti aubergine at home?
Yes—it’s ideal for greenhouses, containers, and raised beds.
9. How long does it take to cook?
Depends on method—typically 20–30 minutes when roasted or grilled.
10. Is graffiti aubergine healthy?
Yes—low in calories, high in fibre and antioxidants, and perfect for plant-based diets.