10:04 AM 3/29/98
rfc

Becca wrote:
> 
> Yesterday, I purchased 3 eggplants, and someone told me that one sex was
> better than the other.  She said you could tell the difference in a male
> and a female eggplant and one was superior for cooking/eating.  How do I
> tell the sex of an eggplant?

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RESPONSE:

CHOOSE ONE:


1.      Set them on a level table about two feet apart.  Place a television remotecontrol between them.  The one that goes for the remote first is the male.

2.      YOU can't tell, but the eggplants can.  Ask one.

3.      Male eggplants have fewer seeds (which are often bitter) than the
female; they have a rounder, smoother blossom end or base. The blossom
end of a female eggplant is generally oval and indented. 


I MUCH prefer to make the following NONFAT eggplant recipe than any
other eggplant recipe:


Chinese Braised Eggplant

1/4 c.  non-fat chicken broth
1/4 t.  minced garlic
2 t.    grated ginger
1 lb.   small Oriental (if possible) eggplant, cut into 1" cubes (weigh
after removing the cap)

3 T.    soy sauce
1 t.    sugar
2 T.    non-fat chicken broth

In a large, non-stick pan, bring the 1/4 c. broth to a boil over a high
heat, then add the garlic and ginger.  Stir one minute.  Add the
eggplant cubes and stir for 2 minutes.  Mix soy sauce, sugar and 2 T.
chicken broth. Add to pan, then stir well to blend.  Lower heat to
simmer, cover pan, and cook about 10 minutes.  Check for doneness.  Cook
a bit more, if necessary.  Eggplant should be soft but not mushy.

Vegetarians can use veggy broth.

Elizabeth