Ichiban

Ichiban is a popular Japanese-type hybrid eggplant prized for its long, slender fruits and early, heavy production. The fruits are narrow and elongated, often eight to ten inches long, with thin, glossy dark purple skin and tender, mild flesh containing few seeds. The thin skin means it does not need peeling, and the delicate flesh cooks quickly, making Ichiban ideal for stir-fries, grilling, and roasting. Plants are vigorous and bear continuously over a long season, producing abundant fruit if picked regularly. As an F1 hybrid, it offers uniformity and reliable earliness. Ichiban is a favorite of home gardeners who want a productive Asian-type eggplant with tender skin and quick-cooking flesh.