The eggplant, aubergine or brinjal is a dark, almost black fruit related to the tomato and potato. Eggplants are originally from India, and grow best in tropical and subtropical climates.

Eggplants are a little bitter when they are raw. They have thin skin and do not need to be peeled. Eggplants are often just sliced and fried or grilled, and they have a much nicer flavour when they are cooked. Eggplants can absorb a lot of oil and fat and are good to use in very rich dishes.