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Old February 18, 2018   #19
Zeedman
Tomatovillian™
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 313
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As already stated, when picked young, both bitterness & seediness are reduced. There was a variety I trialed from the Philippines that had long, very slim fruit (only 4-5" long X 1-2" wide when mature); but it had more seeds than I am accustomed to, and those seeds formed early. Picked very young though - pinky finger sized - they were virtually seedless. The skin at that stage was also tender enough that peeling was unnecessary, and had very little bitterness. We use those tiny eggplants whole in soup.

The plants set fruit in clusters, and are very prolific - but also incredibly thorny!!! Even the leaves have thorns, you pretty much need leather gloves to harvest. I still grow them, though, since they have been exceptionally tolerant of cool weather.

There are other eggplant varieties that set fruit in clusters (such as Little Fingers), which might be worth harvesting very young.
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