Vegetable Condiments

Eggplant, aubergine, or brinjal is a plant species in the nightshade family Solanaceae. Solanum melongena is grown worldwide for its edible fruit. Most commonly purple, the spongy, absorbent fruit is used in various cuisines. Although often considered a vegetable, it is a berry by botanical definition. As a member of the genus Solanum, it is related to tomato and potato. Like the tomato, its skin and seeds can be eaten, but, like the potato, it is usually eaten cooked. Eggplant is nutritionally low in macronutrient and micronutrient content, but the capability of the fruit to absorb oils and flavors into its flesh through cooking expands its use in the culinary arts.

Each caper bud produces a fruit called a caperberry. The berry is on a long stem, and grows form the opened caper bud, as it transforms into a flower. Caperberries are sued in a wide variety of dishes. A great martini garnish, too!