Rosa Bianca Eggplant from Maya's Farm: This Week's Fresh Pick

Just when you thought eggplant was off the market for the winter, Maya's Farm shows up to the market with beautiful rosa bianca eggplants. This Italian heirloom varietal can be distinguished from typical eggplant with its beautiful light purple-pinkish striping. They are also generally smaller than store-bought eggplant with a...

By Heather Hoch

December 20, 2013

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Just when you thought eggplant was off the market for the winter, Maya's Farm shows up to the market with beautiful rosa bianca eggplants. This Italian heirloom varietal can be distinguished from typical eggplant with its beautiful light purple-pinkish striping. They are also generally smaller than store-bought eggplant with a large attached stem. If this sounds like the eggplant for you, make sure you grab one soon since it is only available for a very limited time because it will soon be out of season until next summer.

Price: $3.50 per pound

Vendor: Maya's Farm

Where to Pick It Up: Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market, Open Wednesday from 5 until 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.

What Else to Grab: Romanesco ($3-$5 per head)

Rosa bianca eggplants are less bitter than other eggplant varieties, making them great for eggplant beginners. They roast beautifully, retaining their trademark coloring, or you can grill or bake them. Just don't let us find you breading and frying these little beauties for your eggplant parm. They deserve better than that. All your rosa bianca eggplant needs to be great is a little heat, some olive oil, salt and pepper.

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