Vegetables

Eggplant

An elongated glossy purple eggplant with a green star-shaped calyx.

繁體中文: 茄子
English: Eggplant
Bahasa Indonesia: Terong (茄子)
Tagalog: Talong (茄子)

What is it?

Eggplant is a food item commonly encountered in Hong Kong homes and markets.

How to identify it

Look for smooth purple skin, a slightly curved body and a green calyx gripping the shoulder; the cut flesh is pale with small seeds.

An elongated glossy purple eggplant with a green star-shaped calyx.
Look for smooth purple skin, a slightly curved body and a green calyx gripping the shoulder; the cut flesh is pale with small seeds.
Eggplant has glossy purple skin and a star-shaped calyx; cucumber has green skin and wetter flesh.

Common confusion

Eggplant has glossy purple skin and a star-shaped calyx; cucumber has green skin and wetter flesh.

Common Hong Kong household uses

Use in a recipe that specifically names this vegetable; this page identifies the market item only.

Preparation or handling

Wash thoroughly under clean running water before cooking; do not use soap, special detergent or produce wash.

Storage

Wash only immediately before cooking or eating; if pre-washing is necessary, dry thoroughly and follow the label or supplier storage directions.

Helper tip

Use the Hong Kong name and check the physical features or original label when buying. Look for smooth purple skin, a slightly curved body and a green calyx gripping the shoulder; the cut flesh is pale with small seeds.

What Ma’am or Sir may say

唔該要茄子，俾我睇清楚先。

The employer wants Eggplant and asks for it to be checked before purchase.

Useful market phrase