Chinese eggplant, which is typically longer and more slender than other varieties, has a mild and sweet taste that lends itself well to the strong flavors of Asian cuisines.

Eggplant is an abundant, common vegetable in most parts of the United States, but many home chefs don’t know how to season and prepare it.

Eggplants are fruits related to potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and tobacco. Known as the nightshade family, allergic reactions to this group of plants is relatively common. Although rare, allergies exclusive to eggplants may arise from a number of different factors.

The skin of an eggplant can be eaten, but it is best to eat it when the eggplant is young. Older eggplants are more bitter and become more discolored. Because of this, older eggplants should be peeled before eaten.

Eggplant works in a variety of dishes, from grilled eggplant sandwiches to eggplant Parmesan. Cooking eggplant on the stove top in a skillet is a simple preparation method when you want to include the vegetable in stir-fry, on a pizza or in a pasta dish.

Shaped similar to an egg or pear, small white eggplant features a creamy texture and delicate flavor. Low in calories and high in vitamins and nutrients, eggplant is an excellent addition to any meal or side dish.

Eggplant, said to have been introduced to North America by Thomas Jefferson, has been a favorite vegetable in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern culinary traditions for centuries.

Eggplant Parmesan, also known by its Italian name of parmigiana di melanzane, is typically made from oven-baked or pan-fried breaded eggplant cutlets smothered in tomato sauce, basil and fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Eggplant parmigiana is an Italian food made from layers of deep-fried slices of eggplant, tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Although considered a vegetarian dish, eggplant parmigiana is heavy and packed with calories and fat.

Eggplant is low in calories -- just 20 calories per cup, mostly from carbohydrates, a potent source of energy. It comes loaded with vitamins and minerals, but its health benefits extend beyond just adding vital nutrients to a meal.