'Rotonda Bianca Sfumata di Rosa' Eggplant - Solanum melongena

'Rotonda Bianca Sfumata di Rosa' Eggplant – historical Italian rarity with white-pink-violet fruits. 

This mid-early, open-pollinated eggplant impresses with its uniquely colored fruits, ripening from white to pink to violet, with a mild-sweet, creamy-aromatic flavor. It ripens reliably and is ideally suited for greenhouse, protected outdoor cultivation, and container growing. Robust, productive, and open-pollinated – perfect for self-sufficiency and organic farming.

  Origin & History

‘Rotonda Bianca Sfumata di Rosa’ is a traditional Italian variety with a long history in Mediterranean vegetable cultivation. Its name describes the characteristic coloring: “Rotonda” (round), “Bianca” (white), and “Sfumata di Rosa” (shaded pink) – a fitting description of its unique appearance.

The variety originates in Italy and has been cultivated there for many generations. Particularly widespread in the northern Mediterranean, it is known in regions such as Riazzino in Ticino and is part of the local food culture. It belongs to the rich Italian eggplant tradition that developed since the Middle Ages, after the plant reached southern Europe via the Arab world. In Italy, numerous regional forms emerged, of which Rotonda Bianca Sfumata di Rosa is one of the most striking.

It has long been maintained in home gardens and small-scale farming, where diversity, flavor, and varietal purity were paramount. In contrast to modern hybrid varieties bred for uniformity and transportability, it embodies the diversity and quality of old vegetable varieties. To this day, it is preserved by conservation initiatives and dedicated seed networks. Thus, it is not only a culinary specialty but also a piece of agricultural heritage – a symbol of seed sovereignty and biodiversity. It highlights the richness of the vegetable garden and the importance of freely accessible, open-pollinated crops.

  Appearance & Characteristics

The plant grows vigorous and upright, with broad branching, reaching up to 120 cm in height. It produces numerous fruit clusters and carries large, dark green foliage.

Fruit details:

• Size: Large, approx. 300-500 g per fruit

• Shape: Round to slightly flattened, approx. 8-12 cm in diameter

• Color: White-pink-violet with pure white flesh

• Texture: Tender, firm, thin-skinned

• Flavor: Mild-sweet, creamy-aromatic without bitterness - versatile in use

 Usage & Cultivation Highlights

The fruits are excellent for fresh use, cooking, roasting, grilling, and especially stuffing. Their mild-sweet, creamy-aromatic flavor and the extraordinary white-pink-violet coloring make them a true eye-catcher in vegetable dishes, adding both visual and culinary distinction. Traditionally, they are used in Mediterranean recipes such as “Parmigiana di Melanzane” or stuffed vegetable dishes.

With vigorous growth and resilience, the variety thrives reliably in greenhouses, protected outdoor beds, and even in pots. Easy to care for and adaptable to different sites, it delivers stable yields even under variable weather conditions – with consistent fruit set well into autumn. It also shows good heat tolerance and offers a long harvest period, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh fruits. When heavily loaded with fruits, a light support is recommended to ease the strain and secure stability. Even in container culture, it performs reliably, making it ideal for smaller gardens, terraces, and balconies. Its robustness makes it suitable for both experienced gardeners and beginners alike.

Compared to other eggplants, ‘Rotonda Bianca Sfumata di Rosa’ is particularly aromatic, decorative, and productive – perfect for those who value open-pollinated varieties with high yields, unique appearance, and historical significance.