NIGHTSHADE GREENS, Gbognome

Though this species is believed to originate in India, it is a very popular green in West Africa. This Togolese variety is known as Gbognome (pronounced bog-NO-may), and also sometimes Gboma — some English speakers refer to it as "eggplant collards." It produces beautiful green fruits ripening to yellow, which are said to be edible (if very bitter) when picked and cooked in their green stage, but these are not the prime attraction. Gbognome is grown for its tasty and nutritious young leaves.

We recommend cooking the leaves (which develop thorns on the spine once too mature) in water like spinach and reserving the cooking stock as a base for soup. It's also delicious flash-fried with little more than oil, salt, and pepper. This is a classic African vegetable that everyone should try!

NOTE: This species is known to contain potentially harmful glycoalkaloids, though levels are presumed to be minimal in the young leaves. Potatoes and tomatoes also contain these chemicals, some of which may actually have anticarcinogenic effects, but nevertheless, we recommend growers only consume the fruit of this plant in moderation. We believe the cooked leaves are safe, as their traditional use in Africa indicates.

GROWING TIPS: Start seeds indoors in March or early April, as you would eggplants. Plant out in field after danger of last frost. Space plants 16-24 inches apart.