Happy Eggplant Day from the Haberdashery Cryptid Preserve!

Eggplant Day, celebrated annually on August 31st, is a day to appreciate this delicious and versatile vegetable. Eggplants, also known as aubergines, are native to South Asia and were likely introduced to Europe and the Middle East by Arab traders in the medieval era. They are a member of the nightshade family, along with tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers.

Eggplants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from the classic long purple variety to round white and even striped! They are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and can be enjoyed in many different dishes. Here at the Haberdashery Cryptid Preserve, we're particularly fond of eggplant parmesan!

Eggplants and Mythical Creatures

Have you ever heard of the Jersey Devil? This legendary creature from New Jersey is said to be a nightmarish beast with the head of a horse, the body of a dog, cloven hooves, and bat wings. Some believe that the Jersey Devil's bizarre appearance is due to a local farmer's attempt to create a flying monster using selective breeding...of eggplants!

Of course, the Jersey Devil is most likely just a legend. But it does show the eggplant's place in folklore and mythology. So next time you enjoy an eggplant dish, think about the strange and wonderful stories that surround this fascinating vegetable!