Nightshade Isn't Just a Healthy Vegetable

Nightshade (Solanum) belongs to the nightshade family (Solanaceae), which includes many genera of these plants, from annuals, biennials and perennials, to subshrubs, shrubs and vines. Apart from arctic regions, nightshade plants are distributed worldwide, especially in subtropical and tropical areas. The nightshade genus includes over 1500 species, many of which are poisonous. In the Czech Republic, these include black henbane (Hyosciamus niger), deadly nightshade (Atropa bella donna), jimsonweed (Datura stramonium). Although they are poisonous, they don't deserve complete condemnation, as they too have their uses. An example is deadly nightshade, from whose leaves and roots atropine is obtained, which is used to produce atropine drops used in ophthalmology for eye dilation during examinations. Well-known species with edible fruits include potato (Solanum tuberosum), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) or eggplant (Solanum melongena L.). Less known and cultivated species include tree tomato (Solanum betaceum) and pepino (Solanum muricatum).

• Tree tomato may be better known as Tamarillo, otherwise it's also called tree or French tomato. It is less known, but still coming to the forefront of interest among some growers. It is an evergreen tree 3-4 meters tall originating from South America. In our regions, it is grown in containers as an annual plant. It likes warm and sunny locations. When growing, the temperature should not drop below 10°C, so we move it indoors before frost arrives. It propagates by sowing seeds. It germinates well and young plants grow quickly. Tree tomato will bring us joy throughout the year, because it flowers and fruits simultaneously. The flowers with white-pink color have a pleasant scent and are arranged in raceme inflorescence. The orange-red fruits, 9cm large, oval and pointed berries are edible. They are eaten without the skin, which is bitter, and are added to sauces and soups, compotes or consumed with sugar and cream.

• Pepino - a melon variety that can be grown with support or in hanging planters. This subshrub loves warmth and sufficient watering. Pepino is sensitive to frost. Suitable locations are balconies and loggias, ideally facing south. When growing, we can expect around thirty half-kilo fruits with high vitamin C content.

• Other species of the nightshade genus include winged nightshade (Solanum alatum), ornamental nightshade (Solanum capsicastrum), jasmine nightshade (Solanum jasminoides), black nightshade (Solanum nigrum), bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) and many others.

Well-known nightshade - eggplant

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) originates from southern Europe, mainly from the Balkans. There, this beauty is considered the king of vegetables. You may also encounter the names aubergine or brinjal. A well-known variety is "Black Beauty". It bears delicious fruits with a dark purple glossy skin.

Growing eggplant

Eggplant has the longest growing season of all fruiting vegetables. It requires a warm location and soil with high humus content. In cooler areas, we grow it in greenhouses or under plastic covers and garden tunnels. When growing in beds, it's advantageous to cover the soil with black film (suitable film), as this will warm it up. At the same time, we won't have to worry about weed growth. We grow seedlings by sowing seeds in boxes or trays placed in a greenhouse or in a cold frame. Sow seeds in mid-March. After germination, prick out the seedlings into individual pots with a diameter of 10 cm or at a distance of 8 - 10 cm. After the last frosts in the second half of May, we can plant them in their permanent location at a spacing of approximately 40 x 40 cm in holes to which we can add a handful of mature compost. Water the planted seedlings well, loosen the soil and then water regularly, especially during the early harvest period. To grow quality and strong fruits, leave 4 strongest shoots with a maximum of 5 - 7 fruits on the plant, remove all other set fruits and flowers. This will speed up their ripening and growth. When the fruit produces a hollow sound when tapped, it's the right time to harvest. This is just before full ripeness. The fruits will have firm and tasty flesh. Cut them off with the stem attached.

Consumption and Beneficial Substances in Aubergine

Aubergine (eggplant) is a valuable source of vitamins and minerals while being dietary - it has a low calorie content. It contains large amounts of carotene, B vitamins, plenty of potassium, iron, magnesium, zinc and manganese. Under its skin, which is consumed together with the flesh, there is rutin, which helps strengthen blood vessels. Overall, it has antioxidant effects, helps lower cholesterol levels, has a beneficial effect on intestinal microflora, purifies blood, helps with eczema and is a natural antibiotic. It is prepared heat-treated, which removes the toxic solanine. The most popular variants are grilled, stuffed, fried, baked or marinated aubergine.

Oriental-Style Aubergine Recipe...

You will need: 400g young aubergines, salt, ground black pepper, 1 onion, 2 cloves of garlic, plain flour, 40g fat, 2 tomatoes, 100g mushrooms, 0.1l good white wine, 1 teaspoon sugar, allspice, bay leaf, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cornstarch and meat stock.

Cut the aubergines into thin slices, salt them, add ground black pepper and leave to rest for 2 to 3 hours. Then coat the aubergines in flour, fry them in fat and add finely chopped onion with crushed garlic and continue frying. Add blanched and peeled tomatoes and sliced mushrooms. Pour in wine, sweeten with sugar, season with bay leaf and allspice and drizzle with lemon juice. Thicken with cornstarch mixed with water, add meat stock and simmer until tender.