Africa's Finest Pea Aubergine (Susumber)
Sku: #15801239
£3
£3.89
Africa's Finest Pea Aubergine, or Susumber, is a small, berry-like eggplant that grows as a prickly shrub in tropical and subtropical regions. The small, green, bitter fruits are edible, whether raw or cooked, and are used in traditional African and South Asian dishes, such as Nkwi soup. Medicinally, the fruits are used to treat high blood pressure.
Description
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Plant:A fast-growing, prickly shrub or short-lived perennial, reaching 1-3 meters (3-10 feet) in height.
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Fruits:Small, round, berry-like fruits, about 1-1.5 cm (0.4-0.6 inches) in diameter.
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Color:The fruits are gathered when they are green and before they turn a more orange-red as they ripen.
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Taste:Known for its slightly bitter taste, which is often balanced in dishes by other ingredients.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Typically Solanum torvum or Solanum aguivi.
- Climate: Thrives in warm, moist tropical climates.
- Soil: Prefers fertile, moist, but well-drained soils.
- Light: Can grow in full sun and light shade.
- Drought Tolerance: Plants can tolerate some drought conditions.
Uses
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Culinary:Eaten raw as an appetizer or cooked whole in soups and curries. A traditional Cameroonian soup called Nkwi uses these berries.
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Medicinal:Used fresh or dried and ground to treat high blood pressure. The roots are also used to treat toothache.
