What I Love About Eggplants

This year's garden has been a real "learning experience." (I guess that is a nice way to say that it hasn't produced much produce. ;) )

But one of the learning experiences has really been pleasant: the eggplant plants. I have always enjoyed eating eggplants, but have never grown them. I have never even seen them growing. When I decided to put in a garden this year, one of the first plants on my list was eggplant. I planted several from seed, but only one grew enough to put into the garden.

I also have a "Fairy Tale" eggplant from Burpee, 4 "Ichiban" eggplants, and a "Chinese" eggplant.

So, this is what I love about eggplants.

I love the way their leaves are large and curl up slightly. I love the fuzzy leaves.

I love the purple flowers that bloom facing downward.

I love that the flowers close at night and re-open in the morning.

I love the way the eggplants grow (one at a time in my garden) in this purple intensity. 

(Can you see it back there, behind the flower?)

I love the striped coloring and the fat health of them.

And, Oh, how I love the taste of them!