Scarlet eggplant facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Scarlet Eggplant Gilo
Jiló (var. morro redondo) in a market in São Paulo, Brazil
Species	Solanum aethiopicum
Cultivar group	Gilo Group
Cultivar group members	Many; see text.

The scarlet eggplant is a plant that grows fruit. It belongs to the same plant family as tomatoes and regular eggplants. Its green fruit is often called Gilo (pronounced "Jee-LOH") in Brazil.

Scientists used to think Gilo was its own unique plant species. But now we know it's a special type, or cultivar group, of the Solanum aethiopicum plant. This plant is also known as the Ethiopian Eggplant or nakati.

Gilo plants were first brought to Brazil from West Africa a long time ago during the slave trade. People still grow Gilo in West Africa today. There, it is sometimes called "garden eggs."

Gilo is very popular in Brazil, where people usually cook it like a vegetable. The fruit turns orange-red when it is fully ripe. However, most people pick and cook it while it is still green. In the Mizo language, it is called samtawk.

Different Kinds of Gilo and Their Taste

There are many different kinds of Gilo plants. Some types, like one called morro redondo, can taste a bit bitter. This bitter taste is something you might need to get used to, like how some people learn to like olives or strong cheese.

One special kind of Gilo is called 'Black Stream'. This plant has dark, almost black stems and grows red or orange fruits. In France, people grow 'Black Stream' Gilo as an ornamental plant. This means they grow it because it looks pretty, not usually to eat. Its colorful fruits can even be dried and used for decorations in winter.

More About Gilo

• WFCR Ethnic Vegetables in the Pioneer Valley
• University of Massachusetts Jilo Information

fr:Solanum gilo

See also

In Spanish: Solanum gilo para niños