Fairy Tale Eggplant is a tiny eggplant that looks straight out of a fairy tale! It’s delicious when grilled and doesn’t need to be peeled or salted first.

Once upon a time there was an eggplant so magical mere words were completely inadequate to convey its charm…..
Two years ago at the Boulder Farmer’s Market I came upon some diminutive lavender striped tubular vegetables whose size could be described in no other way but ‘totally cute’. I had no idea what they might be and then learned they were eggplant; ‘Fairytale Eggplant’. Well with the name I was a gonner.
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What are Fairy Tale Eggplant?
These enchanting little eggplants only grow to about 4 inches in length and are about an inch in diameter. Their claim to fame? They do not need to be peeled to be eaten and no special steps are required to leach out any bitterness. They are perfect to begin with.
For the past two summers I’ve grown my own Fairytale Eggplant (and an equally charming variety called ‘Twinkle’). I prefer to grill them which could not be easier. They do not get slimy as some eggplant can as well. I feel certain once you try them they will cast their spell over you as well!

These are the Fairytale eggplants in my garden. The plants are no higher than about 12 inches with the plant on the right ready to harvest (eggplant are about 4 inches long). The plant on the left has a bit more to grow with the eggplant being about 2-3 inches in length.

Where to find Fairy Tale Eggplant?
Farmer’s Markets are a good place to look or stores with more extensive produce selections like Whole Foods Market.
They are fun to grow in a home garden too!

How to grill Fairy Tale Eggplant
STEP 1. Heat the grill
Heat the grill to medium heat. Scrape and oil the grates.
STEP 2. Prepare the eggplant
Slice the fairy tale eggplant into 1/2-inch slices lengthwise.

STEP 3. Grill
Brush each side of the eggplant slices with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Grill on each side about 1-1 1/2 minutes.


NOTE: You will note the color change in the flesh from opaque yellowish-white to a more translucent, watery yellow, and in the purple skin to brown. Do not over grill.

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Recipe

Grilled Fairy Tale Eggplant
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 Fairy tale eggplant
- 1-2 tablespoons Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the grill to medium heat. Scrape and oil the grill.
- Cut eggplant in the ½ inch strips lengthwise. Brush each side with olive oil and lightly salt and pepper.
- Grill on each side about 1-1 1/2 minutes. You will note the color change in the flesh from opaque yellowish-white to a more translucent, watery yellow, and in the purple skin to brown. Do not over grill.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published August 22, 2011
Judith Beltz says
I planted some of these in my container garden this year. They are easy to grow and most prolific.
Unknown says
I was just given these cute egg plants and they are delish. I even made ratatouille with them.
Toni @ Boulder Locavore says
Lucky you! Aren't they a find? Great idea on the Ratatouille.