Red Eggplant (Solanum aethipicum)

Red eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum): from Africa to Lucania, a very particular cultivar of Ethiopian eggplant selected in Southern Italy, where, for example, in the country of Lucano di Rotonda it takes the DOP denomination. Probably imported from Africa following the occupation of Ethiopia in the 1900s, it risked being lost in the past, whereas currently, thanks to the consortium created to protect it, it enjoys good health.

The fruit, very similar to a tomato, does not have the typical eggplant taste, it is more spiced and slightly spicy, while the consistency is a little more leathery. In addition to the organoleptic characteristics that make it the queen of many preparations, it is rich in antioxidants, in fact it does not get black after cutting. The plant is very rustic, does not require frequent irrigation, but will not tolerate water stagnation. To be sown in spring, winter cultivation is also possible if in protected crops.

The Red eggplant is part of those varieties at risk of disappearing that we distribute free of charge in the municipalities of origin and neighbors: just request it by leaving a message at the time of order or by phone and collect them totally free of charge at our headquarters.

From Africa to Lucania:

This cultivar of Ethiopian eggplant was imported in the first half of the 20th century following the occupation of Ethiopia, probably as a curiosity due to the similarity of the fruit to the tomato, in the Lucano Merlingiana dialect to: pummadora. The selections then made it more suitable for consumption and provided the current characteristics. Subsequently it almost disappeared, but now, thanks to the foresight of the Pollino farmers who created a consortium and obtained the Protected Designation of Origin, it is also succesfully cultivated for commercial purposes, even exports. An exponent of the potential of traditional, or ancient, varieties.

1. Very low: no need for irrigation

2. Low: also suitable for hot and arid areas, irrigate only in case of prolonged drought

3. Reduced: this variety is amongst the leas demanding of its species, hence it is highly suitable for areas with sporadic rainfall, to be irrigated only in case of prolonged droughts

4. Tolerant to water stress: it needs moderate irrigation, suitable for gardens with low water consumption.

We are currently creating a guide for this kind of cultivation, unfortunately, until the guide is published, this is only an overall indication that we can provide without causing confusion about the process. Dry farming, in fact, requires cultivation techniques suitable for the specific  pedoclimate and substrate. All of the varieties included in this category have been acclimatized in Italy.