This early, hardy eggplant is a Thai selection of the famous Mattu Gulla eggplant. What is a Mattu Gulla eggplant you ask? Mattu is the name of a village in the Udupi district of India that has been growing a small, round, light-green eggplant with dark-green striping for centuries. Gulla means ‘round’ in Tulu (the local language). The Mattu Gulla eggplant received ‘Geographical Indication’ status in India in 2011 recognizing its unique taste and specific geographical location of production.
Next question, why is the Mattu Gulla eggplant so special? Local history traces the first seeds of this eggplant to the poet, philosopher and saint Sri Vaadiraja Tirtha. From the Indian newspaper, The Hindu:
“Legend has it that saint Vaadiraja [Tirtha] of Sode Math,Udupi, gave the seeds of this variety to the devotees from the village. That is why the villagers offer their first harvest to the Udupi temple every year, and the dishes made out of ‘Mattu Gulla’ have a special place in ‘Anna Santarpanam’ (mass feeding).”
Although there are a few degrees of separation between Petch Siam and Mattu Gulla, this special eggplant also shines in the garden. Petch Siam is easier to grow than many other eggplants and is ready early (about 55 days). Harvest fruits when they are ping-pong size (2 inches/5 cm) they will be 40-60 grams (you can also harvest them when they are smaller). Plant size is 70 cm/2 feet. And similar to purple eggplants, Petch Siam has lovely lavender flowers.
How to Plant: Similar to tomatoes start indoors 8 weeks before the date of last frost. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in individual pots. A heat mat will help germination. Transplant outside when nighttime temperatures are consistently 10C or warmer. Petch Siam does best in a container (5 gallons) and is happiest in a nice hot spot on your patio or sheltered location.
How to Use: This eggplant is versatile in the kitchen. Try it quartered and grilled with a bit of olive oil or cooked in a coconut curry. Its firm flesh has a satisfying texture that holds up well during cooking.
