Seeds of Complex Heritage
SOLANUM AETHIOPICUM
The Red Ethiopian Eggplant or Aswad aubergine produces large, teardrop-shaped fruits that are deep purple to nearly black, and can weigh over 2 to 3 pounds each. It is an Iraqi heirloom eggplant introduced to the United States in the 1990’s by Iraqi seed saver, Aziz Nael. “Aswad” is the Arabic word for “black,” and it is the informal term used for eggplants in Iraq. The Aswad aubergine is distinguished by its remarkable ability to maintain robust growth in challenging conditions. – the plants are highly productive, often yielding more than 30 pounds of fruit per plant. Thriving in high temperatures and demonstrating notable drought tolerance, this variety is well-suited for regions noticing a decrease in water availability. The Aswad aubergine is known for a sweet, tender flesh that is less prone to bitterness which makes the fruit versatile for grilling, baking or frying.
SEED SAVERS
Aterraterra Lab, Palermo (Italy) ︎︎︎
Eixarcolant, Barcelona (Spain) ︎︎︎
Postane, Istanbul (Turkey) ︎︎︎
Spore Initiative, Berlin (Germany) ︎︎︎
Tlayolan, Berlin (Germany) ︎︎︎
Wolves Lane Centre, London (United Kingdom) ︎︎︎
Red Ethiopian Eggplant
SOLANUM AETHIOPICUM
The Red Ethiopian Eggplant or Aswad aubergine produces large, teardrop-shaped fruits that are deep purple to nearly black, and can weigh over 2 to 3 pounds each. It is an Iraqi heirloom eggplant introduced to the United States in the 1990’s by Iraqi seed saver, Aziz Nael. “Aswad” is the Arabic word for “black,” and it is the informal term used for eggplants in Iraq. The Aswad aubergine is distinguished by its remarkable ability to maintain robust growth in challenging conditions. – the plants are highly productive, often yielding more than 30 pounds of fruit per plant. Thriving in high temperatures and demonstrating notable drought tolerance, this variety is well-suited for regions noticing a decrease in water availability. The Aswad aubergine is known for a sweet, tender flesh that is less prone to bitterness which makes the fruit versatile for grilling, baking or frying.
SEED SAVERS
Aterraterra Lab, Palermo (Italy) ︎︎︎
Eixarcolant, Barcelona (Spain) ︎︎︎
Postane, Istanbul (Turkey) ︎︎︎
Spore Initiative, Berlin (Germany) ︎︎︎
Tlayolan, Berlin (Germany) ︎︎︎
Wolves Lane Centre, London (United Kingdom) ︎︎︎