Eggplants (Solanum melongena) do not have a male or female gender, but they are endowed with cross-pollinating male and female flowers on each plant. We tend to think of the eggplant as a vegetable, but like the tomato, it is classified as a fruit. Fruit or veggie, eggplants do not have a gender.
Two types of eggplant may develop on one plant, and that is likely the reason the myth of gender got started. One type has a roundish dimpled area at the blossom end, and the other type has a more oval-shaped dimpled area. The oval-dimpled eggplants are said to have more seeds and be less meaty than the roundish dimpled eggplants. Agriculture experts at the University of Illinois Extension describe the differences as a product of reproduction, not differences of gender.
There is no sex difference among eggplant fruits. The confusion may have come from the fact that eggplant flowers have male and female parts. Mary Keith, a nutrition educator with University of Florida Extension says: “Please, don’t waste any sleep over trying to remember which one is which.
Good Things About Eggplants
Eggplants love hot weather and grow well where more tender, leafy vegetables may wilt. They like growing conditions similar to tomatoes; they are from the same nightshade family of plants. Eggplants thrive in direct sunlight for six to eight hours per day.
There are several types to grow , including egg-shaped ‘Black Bell’ and the long, slender variety called ‘Ichiban.’ The dimple differences can appear on fruit from every variety.
Once you have found the warm spot in the garden to grow your eggplants, start seeds or seedlings when nighttime temperatures are consistently at or above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Their root systems are subject to cold damage and do not recover easily once they are affected. Allow 2 to 3 feet of growing space between plants. Give eggplant a steady supply of moisture but not enough to create soggy soil conditions. Test for dryness by inserting your finger in the soil; it should feel moist up to the first joint. A soaker hose or drip system is ideal for giving a slow, steady supply of moisture.
Debunking the Eggplant Gender Myth
FAQ
Which is the best tasting eggplant?
Does a female eggplant have less seeds?
How do I choose the best eggplant?
Which is better male or female eggplant?
Despite the ages old, old-wives tale that there are male and female eggplants and the male of the species is better eating – detected because it has an “outie” blossom end as opposed to the female “innie” blossom end – there is no such thing.
Is eggplant beneficial for health?
Eggplant contains many healthy benefits as it is a high-fiber, low-calorie vegetable that has many antioxidants like vitamins A and C, which helps protect the cells against damage. It’s also high in polyphenols, which reduce the risk of diabetes and cancer.
Do eggplants have a gender?
Fruit or veggie, eggplants do not have a gender. Two types of eggplant may develop on one plant, and that is likely the reason the myth of gender got started. One type has a roundish dimpled area at the blossom end, and the other type has a more oval-shaped dimpled area.
How do you know if eggplant is male or female?
Male eggplants have fewer seeds and are less likely to be bitter. To differentiate between male and female eggplants, inspect the flower end. The male has a small, round, smooth end; the female has an irregular, less smooth end. What is the best tasting eggplant?