{"id":13373,"date":"2013-08-19T05:08:28","date_gmt":"2013-08-19T12:08:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shescookin.com\/?p=13373"},"modified":"2013-08-20T09:37:19","modified_gmt":"2013-08-20T16:37:19","slug":"purple-power-eggplant-hatch-chile-and-roasted-tomatoes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shescookin.com\/purple-power-eggplant-hatch-chile-and-roasted-tomatoes\/","title":{"rendered":"Purple Power: Eggplant, Hatch Chile and Roasted Tomatoes"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Eggplant<\/a><\/p>\n

Eat the colors of the rainbow, super foods are not limited to green, yellow, orange, and red. But also, the cooler colors of the rainbow: blue and purple. Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants and the same compounds that put blueberries on the healthy map as a superfood are what make make purple vegetables like eggplant potential immune boosters and disease fighters, too.<\/p>\n

The dark pigments responsible for the purplish tones are called anthocyanins, a type of phytonutrient that is gaining attention from scientists worldwide.\u00a0 Studies suggest that anthocyanins may help reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Some evidence indicates these purple pigments might also protect our brains as we age. {Source:\u00a0Nutrition Unplugged<\/a>.}<\/p>\n

\"Grafitti<\/a><\/p>\n

Did you know that eggplants, even though they’re treated more like a vegetable in the culinary world, are actually a fruit? You remember the botanical difference between a fruit and vegetable, right? The difference is that fruits are the seed bearing structure that develops from a flowering plant and\u00a0vegetables are all other plant parts, such as roots, leaves and stems. By those standards, seedy outgrowths such as apples, squash and, yes, tomatoes are all fruits\u00a0while roots such as beets, potatoes and turnips, leaves such as spinach, kale and lettuce, and stems such as celery and broccoli are all vegetables.<\/p>\n

\"Eggplant<\/a>
\nToday’s subject: the eggplant is actually a member of the berry family. That’s one mega berry! I’m a lover of this smooth, curvaceous purple orb of goodness, but I have come across eaters who are not. My daughter was one of them, until she lived in Japan for a semester abroad and found eggplant to be a regular part of the Japanese diet.<\/p>\n

Frieda’s Produce<\/strong> <\/a>has declared 2013 The Year of Purple<\/a> and sent me a box of Graffiti and Indian eggplants along with black garlic and champagne grapes to play with in the kitchen. Graffiti eggplants are purple with beautiful white striping. This variety of eggplant originated in the Mediterranean, and are now grown in Holland. Besides its stunning beauty, the best part of a Graffiti eggplant is it is entirely edible, except for the green cap and stem. Its skin is thinner than the common globe eggplant\u00a0and doesn’t require peeling or salting to draw out bitterness. This make it soooo easy to cook with!<\/p>\n

\"Eggplant<\/a><\/p>\n

Here’s a simple + sensational eggplant dip, salad, or side that packs a little kick from Hatch chiles – previously grilled and frozen to enjoy all year, and a subtle umami that’s hard to put your finger on (I’ll let you in on the secret ingredient in the recipe.)\u00a0\u00a0Plus, its gluten free, diary free, and vegan. I think you’re going to love it, and the nutritional powerhouse that lies within.<\/p>\n

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