Why I Hate Eggplant
It may be worth mentioning beforehand that my disgust for eggplant has caused a serious split in the FavorFlav editorial team. Or rather: between Sharon and me. Although we generally agree on many things, this is where we seriously clashed. Sharon nearly needed resuscitation when I started talking about my disgust for eggplant: ‘This is the most delicious vegetable in the world!‘ I am, of course, convinced of my view and she of hers, but I dare say it: I’m right. Eggplant is, after mushrooms, the most overrated vegetable there is.
And I dare say that with certainty now, because I feel I’ve eaten eggplant in every possible way and I haven’t genuinely enjoyed it a single time.
Eggplant, brrr, that texture, that musty, bitter taste
In general, eggplant is described as a vegetable with a ‘neutral’ taste. I certainly don’t agree; eggplant as such simply isn’t tasty. You have to season it with something to make it even remotely palatable. Like baba ganoush; a perfectly fine idea, but that overpowering eggplant flavor makes it my least favorite dip. What is absolutely delicious? Ottolenghi’s baba ganoush made with courgette and Roquefort. And yes, that brings me to my next controversial statement: courgette is superior to eggplant.
In flavor (you can do so much more with courgette), but certainly also in texture. Don’t get me wrong; I’ve had the opportunity to eat eggplant in many different ways. In cheap restaurants, in expensive restaurants, never at home (because it’s not coming in) and not once did I find it anything other than rubbery, liquorice-like in texture. Every time, it mainly reminds me of a courgette that has grown old and wrinkled and has therefore become literally and figuratively embittered.
And that’s why I make this plea: let’s please normalize being disgusted by eggplant. Never make eggplant great again. I’m already very grateful to you.
Read also:
- Also crazy about eggplant? Here’s how to check whether it’s still good
- From eggplants to bananas: who orders what in which city?
- Delicious vegetarian food: this eggplant recipe
