Fancy a snowbergine moussaka?
THe aubergine’s purple reign could be over ... a white variety, believed to be healthier than its dark counterpart, is being sold for the first time in the UK.
The unusual crop, dubbed the snowbergine – is said to have a creamier texture and even absorbs less oil during cooking. Shoppers can pick up the product at Waitrose for £1.35 – the same price as the regular dark purple ones.
White aubergines have the same familiar shape but are slightly smaller than the most common variety.
grown in Holland, its milder flavour allows it to take on other flavours such as spices or cheese and they are best served roasted or chargrilled. Jade Symonds, vegetable buyer at Waitrose, said: ‘Aubergines are particularly popular during the summer months as they are great for grilling. it’s the perfect time to introduce a new speciality range of aubergines, which includes our snowbergine as well as a striking purple and white striped variety.’
early varieties were traditionally whiteskinned, which led to them being termed eggplant in America because they resembled goose eggs.
The aubergine, used in classic dishes like moussaka, has grown in popularity among healthy eaters in recent months.
Sales of the crop rose by 18 per cent at Waitrose alone last year, as a result of customers using them as a substitute for burger buns or lasagne sheets.