Black beauties are the golden standard, we grew both them and "classic" eggplants last year. The beauties definitely out produced the others. First year I have had eggplants make it, also first year my brother has hunted rabbits. Coincidence?
I had a tough time with Eggplant last summer but found one that produced well and tasted great. Purple rain hybrid (Burpee) was a unique maroon colored fruit, small but real good taste. I'm putting a lot more effort into my eggplants this year, cant wait.
Grilled or fried. In Indian or Italian dishes. I even smoked one once and put it in a dip. I have an eggplant parm sandwich posted up in the Smokehouse.
Can you slice them thick like a zucchini sprinkle with Parmesan and heat in the micro wave? Even better puttin them on the grill in the summer?
Not sure about the microwave. The grill, yes. I put a lemon mix on mine so they don't brown. You also want to be careful of the water content of eggplant. They can require some prep work.
A good salt purge will really get the moisture out. After it sits a couple hours you can ring the eggplant out like a sponge.
Tell me more about water content? Do they need water or do you want less water content? Edit: Oh thanks Jack