Aubergine Eggplant

(Lycopersicon esculentum )

A popular crimson red medium tomato with great taste that tolerates low night temperatures, so it is ideal for cooler area. A Russian heirloom that is an early producer. A tough and vigorous producer that needs staking.

An attractive cultivar medium sized, scarlet red fruit that is full of flavour. Tolerant of cool night temperatures and ideal for cool climate gardens

Flavours/Food Partners

A rich flavored tomato that partners well with Latin herbs like garlic, oregano, marjoram, rosemary and thyme. Use with any good salad vegetable, Nasturtium flowers and mixed fresh herbs to make an attractive and tasty salad.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Like all tomatoes, Red Russian is high in the cancer fighting agent, Lycopene and also Vitamin C. For a classic rich sauce cook and mix with garlic, marjoram, sweet basil, diced shallots, and fresh pizza thyme. Finely dice, mix finely chopped shallots, fresh pesto basil and extra virgin olive oil and place on lightly toasted Turkish bread then top with an anchovie for a special homemade bruschetta.

Landscaping/Planting

Plant in an airy, sunny position in well drained soil or very large pots. Requires a 1.1 to 1.4 m stake.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Like all tomatoes it must receive a deep soaking when almost dry and should not receive overhead watering. Feed regularly with Seasol and Powerfeed. A small amount of dolomite lime after planting will make stronger plants. Remove side shoots and develop two or three main leaders. Harvest when fruit is full color

Herb Attributes

Position Full Sun
Height 1.2m
Width 50cm
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Description

(Solanum melongena)

An attractive perennial shrub with deep purple fruit that is very popular in most Mediterranean countries.

Flavours/Food Partners

Eggplant has a strong flavour and partners well with other strong flavours like garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, savoury, shallots lemon, lamb, beef and venison.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Use in curries and stews. Also excellent baked as a side dish or by itself. Marinade in olive oil and mixed herbs then slow bake or fry as a steak, Bake then blend with olive oil, garlic and tahini to produce the classic Lebanese dip; baba ganoush.

Landscaping/Planting

Plant in well drained but moist soil in sunny aspect. Avoid frosty areas. Cultivation/Fertiliser: Water as needed and give regular applications of Seasol and Powerfeed. Harvest when fruit is in full usually after mid summer.

Herb Attributes

Position FULL SUN, LIGHT FROST
Height 60CM
Width 50CM