[KYHeirloomer]

"Are they different varieties of eggplant?"

As a matter of fact, Mezz, there are roughly 150 known varieties of open pollinated eggplants. Throw in the hybrids, and the number probably tops 200. About 70 OP varieties are in general trade.

These come in a range of sizes from those about half the size of marbles, to egg-sized, to the large Black Beauty types we're all familiar with. Colors include white, black, purple, orange, lavender, green, red, pink, and striped with various colors.

Used as we are to the Black Beauty and Listada de Gandia types, we often forget that most eggplants, particularly Asian varieties, actually are fairly bitter tasting. And it seems (but I can't prove this) that the smaller the variety the more bitter it is likely to be. Turkish Orange, for instance, which are about the size of golf balls, are fairly bitter. Some of the Thai varieties, about half that size, are so bitter as to be almost inedible. Etc. But putting the lie to that are varieties such as the Thai Green Pea, which resembles its namesake in size and color. I haven't eaten them, but Jere Gettle, who collected them in Thailand, says, "wonderfully strong, rich eggplant taste, perfect for stir fry, soups, and curries."

Yes, growing conditions can effect the appearance and taste of eggplants. So, too, can harvest time. Very often market-purchased eggplants are well past their prime. When choosing eggplants, they should be firm (but not hard) to the touch, with bright, shiny skins, and no loss of color. Be especially leery of those with bruizes and blemishes, and those which are starting to wrinkle.