12. EGGPLANT

Japanese eggplants vary in size, shape, flavor and more depending on the climate in which they're grown. In summer, peak season, many varieties line the shops. We visit Niigata Prefecture, Japan's largest eggplant consumer, to discover its unique eggplant culture. That culture includes special eggplant cooking methods and even eggplants salt-pickled in clay! Plus, we learn about the deep connections between eggplants and ancient Japanese customs.