Aubergines

[Toddi]

I have two aubergine plants with lots of fruit (veg ? ) on them up to six inches in length. Can someone advise me when is the right time to harvest them or is it just a question of personal choice ?

[Clanad]

Here, in the U.S., they're always called Egg Plants.

We harvest them when we notice they've stopped growing. Depending on variety, they'll be about 6 to 8 inches in length and perhaps 4 to 5 inches across. The skins should be shiny and taught... no wrinkling.

Be sure to harvest them with a pair of shears leaving maybe 2 to 4 inches of the stem.

To assure correct harvest time, there should be several sizeable but not hardening seeds when you cut it open.

Look up a good ratatouille recipe!

[237SJ]

...or make moutabel

[Toddi]

Many thanks Clanad, I shall indeed find a suitable recipe to make the best use of my egg plants. I shall let you know how they turn out.