Solanum melongena var. Farmers Long
| ENG | eggplant, aubergine |
| SK | baklažán |
| CZ | baklažán |
| PL | psianka podłużna |
| HU |
Taxonomic characteristic:
Order: Solanales, Family: Solanaceae, Genus: Solanum
Using
Edible parts are fruits (it can be baked, stewed or added to soups, curries etc., but should not be eaten raw) and leaves (for example mixed with rice bran and salt). In Greece eggplant is used to prepare mousaka and in France it is a key ingredient in ratatouille.
Medicinal uses: helps to lower blood cholesterol levels, help to regulate high blood pressure. Also it has anticholesterolemic, antidote, astringent, narcotic, poultice properties, and it is used as an antidote to poisonous mushrooms.
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Botanical description and occurrence:
A Farmers long is an annual herb or soft-wooded shrub to 1 m tall. It is erect, disease-resistant plant producing early and prolifically long, up to 30 cm, slender, purple-red fruits. This Asian eggplant from Ping Tung, Taiwan has a dark lavender skin.
Reproduction:
Generative: sowing in February or March
Harvesting: autumn to winter (until soil is not frozen)
Why to have the plant in your garden:
The fruit are very nutritious. It is a good source of vitamins (C, B1, B-3, B-6), essential minerals (include potassium, manganese, magnesium and copper), phytonutrients like flavonoids (flavonoid nasunin, which has high levels of antioxidant properties), caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid (antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral and antitumor abilities). The Farmers long variety is producing early and prolifically long, up to 30 cm, slender, purple-red aubergines, making for easy, uniform slices. The white, tender flesh has a very good flavor with its untypical shape can be used as an interesting additive in the kitchen f. e. in case of special occasions.
Text:
Ing. Ján FArkaš, Dr. Ivana Mezeyová, SUA, Nitra, Slovak Republic
Photo:
Dr. Ivana Mezeyová, Dr. Ján Mezey, SUA, Nitra, Slovak Republic
Links to scientific articles (if it is possible):
http://herbgarden.co.za/mountainherb/herbinfo.php?id=514
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Solanum+melongena
http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/plants-fungi/solanum-melongena-aubergine
Uher A., Kóňa J., Valšíková M., Andrejiová A. 2009. Zeleninárstvo : poľné pestovanie. Nitra: Slovenská poľnohospodárska univerzita, 2009. ISBN 978-80-552-0199-3. 212 p.
