MEET THE GRAFFITI EGGPLANT

Graffiti comes from the Italian word graffiato- meaning "scratched" which in turn finds its origin from the Greek word graphein, meaning "to write." Though it is now associated with defiance and rebellion, its earliest forms were inscriptions scratched on to the surface of basalt rocks in Syria. It has come a long way since then. In recent decades it has evolved from an iconic street symbol to a commercial fashion symbol.

The LV Graffiti Neverfull

The Graffiti eggplant, too, has also come a long way from its origins in Udumalaipettai in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu where they were said to be first cultivated. Its rich black soil and warm weather allows the Udumalapet eggplant to grow even when abandoned. Eventually, the variety was transported and grown in the Western world, mainly in Italy where it is known as Listada de Gandia. Its name has also evolved, making it  sound more like it belongs in a Victoria's Secret catalog: Purple Rain, Fairytale,  Shooting Stars and Pandora Striped Rose.

I'm too sexy for this plate

I found these adorable Graffiti Eggplant at the supermarket and couldn't help myself.  I decided to make a salad that would go with the adobong puti I was cooking for the weekend. If you'd like to make one yourself, try this recipe:

INGREDIENTS

5 pcs. Graffiti Eggplant

3 pcs. tomatoes, diced

1 pc. onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

3 tbsps. patis (fish sauce)

pepper to taste

TO MAKE

Let water boil. Place the eggplant and let it cook until the color changes. (In case you're wondering, I wasn't boiling the eggplant in muck, I put it on top of the pork I was stewing). 

Once cooked, remove the eggplant. Let it cool.  

Prepare the tomatoes, onion and garlic.

Once cool, chop the eggplant. 

Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

Chill for 30 minutes before serving.