Solanum aethiopicum
DESCRIPTION
Vigorous plants that grow to about 3 feet, produce prolifically. Fruits are typically harvested when small, white, oblong and egg shaped. They develop ridges and turn yellow to orange color when fully mature. Taste is bitter compared with other eggplant varieties.
PROVENANCE
This is Oshkosh-grown seed originally from Truelove Seeds. Jason Mills is the current local Seed Steward.
GROWING RECOMMENDATIONS
Start indoors in early April for June transplant. Provide 18 to 24 inches of space between plants in rows.
SEED SAVING
This is botanically distinct from known Asian and European eggplants and will probably not cross with these varieties. Seed fruits need to be left on the plants longer than culinary harvest stage. When fully mature, Nya Nya Chungu will be orange and firm.
CULINARY USE
This variety is particularly common in the meat and fish stews of Congolese cuisine.
PRESERVING THE HARVEST
Cooked eggplant can be frozen.