Thai Eggplant - Makhua Puang - Solanum torvum

This Thai Eggplant or aubergine known in Thailand as Makhua Puang, comes from Solanum torvum widely known as Turkey Berry. The fruit are in fact the the small green pea sized berries which grow in large clusters. These berries turn yellow when fully ripe but are harvested for use when they are still green and are one of the main ingredients along with another Thai Eggplant, Makhua Phro, in Thai Green Curry. Makhua Puang are full of flavour but slightly bitter to taste so are not usually eaten on their own. Although garden peas may look a little like Makhua Puang, they most definitely can not be used as a substitute. In some countries, Solanum torvum is considered an invasive weed. Other rather interesting names for Solanum torvum include Devil’s Fig, Prickly Nightshade and Shoo-shoo Bush.