The eggplants we grow in our vegetable gardens took hundreds of years to reach us. Food historians have traced eggplants to their origins in either India or China. Some records show that eggplants were cultivated as early as 50 BCE.

Travelers carried the fruit west to Europe, then eventually it arrived in America, thanks to Thomas Jefferson bringing seeds back from France. 

While we enjoy eggplants of different shapes, colors and sizes, the early plants bore fruit that was considered ornamental instead of edible. Those plants flowered and grew small white and oval fruits that looked just like chicken eggs.

British gardeners named these “egg-plants” for their attractive appearance on plants they entered in competitions. The egg plants gained attention from the crowds at exhibitions, but it took courage to harvest and eat the fruits.

Because eggplants are classified in the nightshade family (Solanaceae), people were afraid the fruits were poisonous. Fortunately some brave gardeners gave them a try and lived to tell others about it.

I love this history of one of my favorite fruits, so I decided to grow some heirloom eggplants in my garden this season.

I bought a packet of imported Italian egg plant seeds at a garden show in spring and ended up with three special eggplants. The Italian name of this tree-of-eggs plants is Pianta Delle Uova; the Spanish name is Planta de Huevos.

This variety is planted and cared for just like other eggplants, but because they’re smaller in size, they may be easier to grow. Each plant is loaded with purple blossoms and most are now setting the round white fruits.

When I cut the first fruit from the eggplant, I had to marvel at how closely it resembles an egg. To serve, I think I’ll crack them open and fry them in a pan. 

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Berry & Bird Rabbiting Spade, Trenching Shovel

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Ideal Tool for All Gardeners Use: Our heavy duty trenching shovel is designed by a professional gardening tool designer. Lifetime Durability: This heavy duty drain spade is made of high-quality stainless steel, it is very strong and durable, even if it is used for high-strength work, it will not bend. Ergonomic Wood Handle: The handle of this planting spade is made of ash hardwood harvested from FSC-certified forests and has an ergonomically streamlined design, making it very suitable for everyone's hands. Multi-Use: This digging shovel is generally used for digging trenches, digging holes, transplanting, edging, moving compost, cutting thick turf and furrowing. The sharp blade allows you to cut, scoop, dig, lift and dice in hard soil.

Buy at Amazon

A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY.

Buy at Amazon

Gardener's Log Book from NYBG

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

This weatherproof five-year log book includes the following features: · Sturdy waterproof cover to protect pages from rain and muddy soil · Lined pages and gridded paper for plotting beds · Five years of 12-month bloom and harvest grids for recording what you planted and when · Authoritative appendices on composting, pruning, pest and disease control, and container gardening · Useful reminders by season on fertilizing, mulching, and transplanting · Space for listing your favorite sources and suppliers.

Buy at Amazon