An article for anyone wondering the difference between an aubergine vs eggplant, and how to use the proper term when referring to either! If you've never heard of an aubergine or a brinjal, then this will be useful information for you, too!
Aubergine looks like an eggplant and tastes like an eggplant, is it an eggplant?
Everyone has heard of an eggplant, particularly since they found themselves included in the somewhat short list of food emojis, but have you ever heard of an aubergine?
Eggplant is either loved or hated. I myself, am a huge fan. I'll take an eggplant Parmesan or hearty ratatouille any day of the week!
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Eggplant's high moisture content and spongy texture can sometimes scare away more novice cooks, but once you learn to work with them you will discover how versatile and delicious they can truly be!
Perhaps you caught a program on Food Network and noticed they were working with a very eggplant-esque looking vegetable, but were referring to it as an aubergine. Or maybe, you saw aubergine on a menu while traveling and thought to yourself "better not try that, I don't know what it is!"
Well, what IS it? A question you won't need to ponder much longer.
What is an Aubergine?
Aubergine is a fruit (a berry if you want to get technical), though it is generally treated as a vegetable when used in recipes. Aubergines come in a few colors but are normally characterized by their deep purple exterior that is both firm and smooth in texture.
Aubergines are glossy in light and are capped with a bright green stalk. The interior is spongey when raw, and full of seeds.
Is this starting to ring any bells? It should, because it describes an eggplant! They are, in fact, the same thing.
Why is it Called an Aubergine?
The reasoning behind the eggplant's alternative name is incredibly simple. It all boils down to location.
Aubergine is a French word, used primarily in Europe to refer to an eggplant. The name, which is actually the original term (not eggplant), refers to its color. Aubergine meant "purple-brownish color" in French, which is quite suitable.
The first aubergines brought to America from Europe were primarily white (in varying shades) in color, with a shiny smooth outside. Thus, they began to be referred to as eggplants.
In fact, aubergines have a third title that you may or may not have heard before: brinjal. Brinjal is what eggplants are commonly called in South Asia.
Difference Between Aubergine vs Eggplant
If you have ever heard the saying "six of one, half a dozen of the other"? That saying applies to the aubergine, eggplant, and brinjal. They are all different terms for the same exact thing.
No matter where you are, or what you call this hearty fruit - yes, it's a fruit! Eggplant, aubergine, or brinjal - they're always delicious!!
Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!
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