Eggplant is a versatile fruit (often considered a vegetable in culinary contexts) that comes in various shapes, sizes, and colors. It has a mild flavor with a slightly bitter undertone and a spongy texture. Eggplant is a popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world, including Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Asian, and Italian. It can be cooked in numerous ways, including grilling, roasting, frying, and baking. Some well-known dishes featuring eggplant include ratatouille, moussaka, baba ganoush, and eggplant parmesan.