Homegrown Hillsborough: Eggplants

Hillsborough County farmers grow more than 60 crops. In this monthly feature we discuss a seasonal crop, grown locally and available fresh in area groceries.

June's harvest: Eggplants 

Fun fact: Florida grows most of the eggplants produced in the United States.

When are fresh local eggplants available at groceries and farm stands?

May and June, and November and December.

What type of eggplants are grown commercially here?

Traditional Italian.

Where are eggplants most commonly grown in Hillsborough County?

East and South County.

How many acres of eggplants are planted in Hillsborough County?

About 120 acres.

How much eggplant is harvested in Hillsborough County?

An average of 830 bushels. Total sales vary, depending on the fruit's size, quality, and market price. Range: Just under $1 million to more than $2 million.

Local insight:

Recipe: Eggplant Rollatini

More information about Florida products

See More from Homegrown Hillsborough