Violet (or round) aubergines are being introduced into the Spanish market. Originally from Italy, this vegetable is also produced under plastic in Almeria.
"We've been working with this product since spring this year and we are very happy with the reception it is having in the market, especially in the catering sector, since it is perfect for stuffing and confiting," states Andrés Sánchez, Purchases manager at Alozar, in Madrid's wholesale market, Mercamadrid.
According to Andrés Sánchez, "it is an aubergine that is characterised by having a very thin skin, with a striking violet colour, a lot of flesh and a sweet taste, either when fried or roasted. It is scientifically proven that purple foods, such as blueberries, have a higher percentage of antioxidants than do average fruits and vegetables. From next month, we will also have a new variety of blueish tomatoes."
Alozar packs this product in elegant wooden boxes containing eight pieces each under the brand of its supplier Naturinda, of Almeria. "We will have this product available at our Mercamadrid store during most of the year. We sell it to small retailers of gourmet stores, restaurants and a small chain of supermarkets."
Although one may be inclined to think that, being a gourmet product, will make it expensive, its price does not differ much from that of a conventional aubergine. "For example, while a conventional aubergine, black or striped, has a price of about 1 Euro per kilo at this time, violet aubergine costs between 1.30 and 1.40 Euro per kilo."