Eggplant

Eggplant is a popular, nutritious culinary staple used in cultures across the globe. This veggie's deep purple color is the reason for many of its health benefits, so cook with the skin! Loaded with phytonutrients, eggplant has powerful antioxidant effects, such as cancer prevention, and lowering blood cholesterol. Eggplant is also a good source of thiamin, folate, potassium, dietary fiber, manganese, and vitamins K and B6. However, eggplant is naturally high in sodium.

When shopping, choose eggplant that is deep in color, firm and heavy. To tell if an eggplant is right, press the skin with your thumb. If it springs back it's ripe and ready, but if the indent remains, it's not. Store eggplants, uncut, in your refridgerator and use quickly.

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