Japanese eggplants measure 6 to 8 inches and about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Dark purple is the most common color, though some are lighter purple dappled with light green. Eggplants belong to the nightshade family, which also includes tomatoes and potatoes. The first known historical reference was in a fifth century Chinese book on agriculture, according to the Vegetarians in Paradise website. Japanese eggplants are stir-fried, sautéed, pickled, grilled or deep-fried in tempura batter.
Varieties
Japanese eggplants come in dozens of varieties, with both hybrid and heirloom options. The long, oblong Millionaire and Orient Express are especially popular, the Specialty Produce website reports. Their glossy purple skin is so dark it looks almost black. Inside, the creamy flesh is nearly devoid of seeds, with a milder, less bitter quality than Thai and Western eggplant varieties.
Low in Calories and Fat
A cup of eggplant contains only 28 calories and 0.2 grams of fat, the Vegetarians in Paradise website says. However, eggplant is very absorbent, and the most common ways of preparing eggplant use a lot of oil. To keep calories down, trade out oil for broth, lemon juice or wine.
Nutrients
Japanese eggplant -- and eggplant in general -- is low in vitamins, but high in fiber and minerals. Leaving the skin on your eggplant increases the cholesterol-fighting dietary fiber by 2.5 grams. The skin also contains the antioxidant nasunin that protects brain cell membranes. A 3.5-oz. serving of Japanese eggplant contains 21.4 mg of calcium, 248 mg of potassium and 22 mg of phosphorus, according to Vegetarians in Paradise. One benefit of the high mineral/low vitamin combination is that you can cook eggplant longer and still maintain its nutrients. This is important because undercooked eggplant tastes bitter and astringent.
Cautions
Like other plants of the nightshade family, eggplants have their toxic parts, especially the leaves and stems. Immature eggplant contains toxins in the fruit. Don't eat raw eggplant, as it contains solanine, a toxin that can upset your stomach. Eggplant consumption may also be contraindicated if you suffer from arthritis or other conditions affecting your bones and joints. Solanine inhibits the absorption of calcium and may further upset your mineral balance and thus increase joint pain. Eggplant spoils quickly, even when refrigerated, so don't wait too long before cooking.
Medicinal Uses
The medicinal benefits of eggplant include reducing inflammation, treating dysentery and assuaging bleeding hemorrhoids, according to the Vegetarians in Paradise website. The National Cancer Institute has been studying eggplant to see whether it might help curb tumor growth. Eggplant, technically a fruit, is also useful in treating scorpion bites by applying a piece of raw eggplant to the afflicted part. Those suffering from frostbite can apply an eggplant tea compress to frozen appendages.
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