The aubergine (US: eggplant) is a purplish-black, elongated fruit of the same family as tomato, potato and deadly nightshade. Paler varieties are also available. It originated in India but was cultivated in Italy by the 15th Century and in France by the 17th Century. It can be an accompaniment to lamb, or can be eaten in sauces, or alone, after grilling or frying. It is a principal component of many dishes such as imam biyaldi, ratatouille, moussaka and tian.
