Is an Eggplant a Fruit? Unveiling the Truth About This Versatile Vegetable
Eggplant—also known as aubergine in the UK—is a popular ingredient in global cuisines, from Mediterranean dishes to Asian stir-fries. But have you ever wondered whether eggplant is a fruit or a vegetable?
The answer might surprise you! Botanically, eggplant is a fruit, but it is cooked and used like a vegetable.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide:
✔️ Is eggplant a fruit or a vegetable?
✔️ The scientific classification of eggplant
✔️ Nutritional benefits of eggplant
✔️ How eggplant is used in cooking
Let’s dive into the science and culinary uses of this fascinating food! ?
Is Eggplant a Fruit or a Vegetable?
? Scientifically, eggplant is a fruit.
? Culinarily, eggplant is a vegetable.
Why Is Eggplant a Fruit?
Eggplant is classified as a fruit because:
✔️ It develops from the flower of the eggplant plant.
✔️ It contains seeds inside its flesh.
✔️ It follows the botanical definition of a berry!
Fact: Eggplant belongs to the nightshade family (Solanaceae), which includes tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes—all of which have fruits that are treated as vegetables in cooking.
The Botanical Classification of Eggplant
| Category | Is Eggplant Included? | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit | ✅ Yes | Develops from a flower & contains seeds |
| Berry | ✅ Yes | Has multiple seeds inside soft flesh |
| Vegetable (Culinary Use) | ✅ Yes | Used in savory dishes rather than sweet ones |
Eggplant Is a Berry!
? Botanically, eggplant is classified as a “true berry” because it has seeds enclosed in fleshy fruit without a hard pit (unlike drupes like peaches).
Fact: Other vegetables that are actually fruits include tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and pumpkins!
Why Is Eggplant Considered a Vegetable in Cooking?
Even though eggplant is technically a fruit, it is treated like a vegetable in cooking because:
✔️ It has a savory, mild taste rather than a sweet flavor.
✔️ It is used in main dishes, side dishes, and savory recipes.
✔️ It is cooked in the same way as vegetables like zucchini and peppers.
How Eggplant Is Used in Cooking:
? Grilled or roasted – Perfect for Mediterranean dishes.
? Stuffed – Baked with cheese, meat, or grains.
? Fried – Used in tempura or crispy eggplant fries.
? Pureed into dips – Like baba ganoush.
? Cooked in stews & curries – A staple in Indian and Thai cuisine.
Tip: Eggplant absorbs flavors well, making it perfect for rich, spiced dishes.
Nutritional Benefits of Eggplant
Eggplant is low in calories and packed with nutrients, making it a healthy addition to any diet.
| Nutrient (per 100g) | Amount | Health Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 25 kcal | Low in calories, great for weight loss |
| Fiber | 3g | Aids digestion & gut health |
| Vitamin C | 3% DV | Boosts immunity |
| Vitamin K | 4% DV | Supports bone health |
| Antioxidants | High | Protects against cell damage |
? Fact: Eggplant contains nasunin, an antioxidant that helps protect brain cells from damage.
Common Misconceptions About Eggplant
❌ “Eggplant is a vegetable.”
✅ Technically, eggplant is a fruit, but it is used as a vegetable in cooking.
❌ “Eggplant is unhealthy because it absorbs oil.”
✅ Eggplant does absorb oil easily, but baking or grilling reduces oil content while keeping its delicious texture.
❌ “You must salt eggplant before cooking.”
✅ Salting eggplant reduces bitterness, but modern eggplant varieties are already mild and don’t need salting.
Tip: If you do salt eggplant, rinse and pat dry before cooking to remove excess moisture.
How to Select & Store Eggplant
? How to Choose the Best Eggplant:
✔️ Look for shiny, smooth skin (no wrinkles or soft spots).
✔️ It should feel firm but slightly springy when pressed.
✔️ The stem should be green and fresh-looking, not dried out.
? How to Store Eggplant:
✔️ Room temperature (short-term): Best stored in a cool, dry place (not the fridge).
✔️ Refrigerator (long-term): Store in a plastic bag for up to 5 days.
✔️ Freezing: Slice and blanch before freezing to preserve texture.
Tip: Eggplant can become bitter if stored too long, so use it within a few days!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is eggplant a fruit or vegetable?
Eggplant is botanically a fruit but is cooked and used as a vegetable in savory dishes.
Why is eggplant considered a berry?
Eggplant is a true botanical berry because it has seeds inside soft flesh without a hard pit.
Is eggplant healthy?
Yes! Eggplant is low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with antioxidants, making it a great choice for a healthy diet.
Should I peel eggplant before cooking?
It depends on the recipe! The skin is edible but may be tough on larger eggplants. Peeling is optional for a softer texture.
Can you eat eggplant raw?
Yes, but it tastes best when cooked to bring out its sweet, nutty flavor. Raw eggplant can be slightly bitter and spongy.
Final Thoughts: Is Eggplant a Fruit or Vegetable?
✔️ Botanically, eggplant is a fruit because it develops from a flower and contains seeds.
✔️ Culinarily, eggplant is a vegetable because it’s used in savory dishes.
✔️ Eggplant is highly nutritious, rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
✔️ It’s versatile in cooking—great for roasting, frying, and adding to stews.
Now that you know the truth about eggplant, how do you like to cook it? Let us know in the comments! ??