Purple eggplant is characterized by its size, shape, and coloring. Fruits have a trademark glossy, black-purple skin, are oval and oblong in shape, often growing up to ten inches long and wider at the blossom end. They have a characteristic green calyx and a green stem or a leaf shooting out from the base of the stem, wrapping around the top of the smooth-skinned fruit. The flesh is cream colored with a spongy-firm texture. Though the size of Purple eggplant varies once harvested, it is more common to see large robust fruits.

Purple eggplants are best suited for cooked applications such as braising, stir-frying, sautéing, and grilling. Their tender flesh cooks quicker than most Purple eggplant varieties, and its flavor and texture will be at its peak when baked. Stir-frying Purple eggplant is the most popular preparation method as the eggplant has a meaty and flavorful texture. Purple eggplant holds up well to spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Complimentary ingredients include cumin, garlic, ginger, cilantro, fermented beans, chilies, soy sauce, vinegar, mushrooms, onions, sesame oil, chicken, pork, chickpeas, lentils, hardy greens, and summer vegetables such as tomatoes and squashes. Purple eggplant will keep for up to one week when stored in a cool and dry place.

Purple Eggplant is available year-round.