Brinjal (Big)

The smoky, glossy showoff.

Rich in nasunin — an antioxidant in the purple skin that protects brain cell membranes.

The big, glossy, violet-purple brinjal exists for one noble purpose: to be fire-roasted until its skin blisters and its insides turn into smoky silk. That, friends, is baingan bharta — arguably the greatest smoky dip humanity has invented, with apologies to baba ganoush. Ours are plump, deep purple, and nearly seedless. Just char them, peel them, mash them, and achieve enlightenment.