Scarlet eggplant
The scarlet eggplant is a fruiting plant of the genus Solanum, related to the tomato and eggplant. Its green fruit is known as Gilo (Brazilian Portuguese: Jiló). It was once treated as a distinct species, Solanum gilo, but it is now known to be a cultivar group of Solanum aethiopicum (the Ethiopian Eggplant or nakati).
| Scarlet Eggplant Gilo | |
|---|---|
 Jiló (var. morro redondo) in a market in São Paulo, Brazil | |
| Species | Solanum aethiopicum |
| Cultivar group | Gilo Group |
| Cultivar group members | Many; see text. |
Gilo was brought to Brazil from West Africa during the slave trade. It is still grown in West Africa, where it is sometimes called "garden eggs."[1]
Widely grown in Brazil, it is normally cooked as a vegetable. The fruit turns orange-red when ripe, but is usually picked and cooked while it is green.[1] In Mizo it is called samtawk.
Varieties, Taste & Usage
Some varieties, like morro redondo, can have a bitter flavor which is an acquired taste. Solanum gilo 'Black Stream' has black stems and red or orange fruits; it is grown in France as an ornamental, and can be dried for winter decorations.
More information
- WFCR http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wfcr/news.newsmain/article/0/0/1522784/WFCR.Local.Features/Ethnic.Vegetables.in.the.Pioneer.Valley
- University of Massachusetts http://www.umassvegetable.org/soil_crop_pest_mgt/articles_html/jilo.html