California Rare Fruit Growers Inc.
Fullerton Arboretum, California State University
P.O. Box 6850
Fullerton, CA 92834

Dear California Rare Fruit Growers Inc.:

The crisis of the American eggplant flies in the face of well-sung wisdom about judging books by their covers. With a coat reminiscent of the majestic tones of Rembrandt and Vermeer, the eggplant could not possess a better cover. The crisis facing the American eggplant is its name. Eggplant? This compound evokes fetid aromas of city dumps and genetic debacles fit for a "Far Side" cartoon. Not a palatable image, especially for finicky youngsters trying it for the first time. Is it not ironic that in an age of hyperconsumption, in which the image is master of all it surveys, even the most handsome of vegetables must be reconfigured?

I beg you not to succumb to knee-jerk decisions and adopt the plant's European name of "aubergine." With the growing popularity of soccer and Austin Powers, American culture must safeguard itself from feminizing European influence. At risk of occupying the role of a curmudgeonly critic, I have taken it upon myself to offer several new names for the American eggplant.

1. The E-Plant ©
2. E2K: The Millennial Vegetable ©
3. The Purple Power-Plant ©
4. Purple Power Bombs ©
5. Squash2 ©

Recognizing that the eggplant is not part of my cultural identity or means of subsistence, I humbly offer my analysis. I hope it is of some use.

Sincerely,
Kenneth H. Cleaver

California Rare Fruit Growers Inc. responds:

Kenneth H. Cleaver
P.O. Box 810
Bedford, NY 10506

Dear Kenneth:

Regarding your displeasure with the name "eggplant," it surely doesn't conjure up unpleasant images for me. As with so many odd names for things, when you think of why they are called that, it can be most interesting.

Some 15 years ago I grew the "original" eggplant. It was white and looked exactly like an egg. I brought a basket of them to our county fair and every passerby was intrigued by them, especially children.

Colors and shapes have changed, but I like eggplant by any name -- especially the variety from Ukraine called "Diamond." I purchased the seed for it from the Seed Savers Exchange in Decorah, Iowa. (They probably have the white egg one too.)

Sincerely,
Eunice Messner
Fruit Specialist Coordinator
California Rare Fruit Growers

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