I have found the most tender eggplant!
August! Can you believe it’s here!? This is prime time for juicy tomatoes and hot, hot peppers! Even though our summer garden was planted later than usual (thanks for that, COVID-19!) my summer bounty is overflowing and I couldn’t be more ecstatic.
It’s been an annual tradition to hit up Contrary Mary’s Plants so we can see what she and Charlie have going on for the growing season. From heirloom tomatoes to my new favorite eggplant variety, ‘Ping Tung’ to Major Wheeler honeysuckle, Mary has it all.
Mary specializes in peonies, hostas and daylilies. Really I could spend hours talking garden with her. It feels like homecoming every time we make the trip to their special little farm.
Onto that eggplant. No, seriously, it’s like creme brulee. The skin is so tender and the inside caramelizes so perfectly when sauteed. A wonderful eggplant from Ping Tung, Taiwan. Fruit is purple and up to 18 inches long and 2 inches in diameter. This variety is so sweet and tender, superbly delicious! One of the best Chinese eggplants on the market. I can see why it’s one of Mary’s favorites.
Ping Tung Eggplant makes the best side dish, just sautee with sesame oil and a drizzle of soy sauce. Done! It is fork tender and so succulent!
Have you grown any vegetables you cannot go without?
