Turkish Orange African Eggplant – Seeds

Although this variety originates in Turkey, it is a type of African eggplant. African Eggplant is a lesser known vegetable than common eggplant. These groups of eggplants are actually two separate species. African eggplant is a critically important vegetable in many African countries that is not often cultivated in the US. We have been growing out different African eggplants to evaluate in order to find varieties that do well in Florida. Interestingly, several types we have tried grow well and flower abundantly but refuse to set any fruit. Turkish Orange is a variety that grew well but also set lots of fruit. African Eggplant is often highly bitter, a trait desired in certain cultures. This variety is only lightly bitter or may not be considered bitter at all by some people more used to such flavors. The fruits are small, as are many African eggplants. Overall, this variety is fairly similar to Sweet Red African Eggplant which we also offer.

Like Sweet Red, this variety was (frustratingly) named for the color it turns when the fruit is fully mature, not the color at which it is eaten. African eggplants are eaten immature, when fruit is green or white. This variety should be harvested before orange coloration begins to show up in the skin.

For an inspiring entry on Solanum aethiopicum, check out the book Lost Crops of Africa: Vegetables.

40 seeds