The vegetable popularly known as eggplant is, in fact, a member of the nightshade family along with potatoes, tomatoes and peppers. Its popularity stems from the pleasantly bitter and invigorating taste, agreeable texture and peerless versatility.

The colors of Eggplants vary from white to almost jet-black, with the most common hue being purple. The four major types of Eggplant are:

1. Bell types which include Jersey, King, Classica and High Bluish
2. Cylindrical types which include Mirabel, Vernal and Mini Fingers
3. Sicilian types which are round and purple in color
4. Japanese types which are cylindrical and pinkish in color