ASWAD EGGPLANT/20 seeds per pack
Aswad eggplant is an Iraqi heirloom variety native to the land of ancient Mesopotamia, now modern-day Iraq. The name "Aswad," meaning "black" in Arabic, is a colloquial term for eggplant in Iraq. This variety is characterized by its distinct teardrop shape and deep purple skin. Aswad is a high-yielding, drought-tolerant plant, and its drier fruit makes it particularly well-suited for frying and baking in Iraqi dishes, though it can be used like any Italian eggplant variety.
Aswad was first introduced to the U.S. in the 1990s by Iraqi seed saver Aziz Nael. The seeds offered in this catalog were cultivated in Los Angeles, CA by Rivka-Suad of the Iraqi Seed Collective—a group of diasporic individuals of Mesopotamian heritage dedicated to preserving ancient culture through seed saving. This variety is heat-tolerant and pairs well with all cooking methods, especially frying and baking in traditional Iraqi recipes.