Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a warm-season vegetable requiring temperatures between 70-85°F. Plants can grow several feet tall and develop hanging fruit from branches. Fruits can be dark purple, white, pink, green, black, or variegated
Pumpernickel means "farting devil" in Germanic vernacular. First mentioned in print in Westphalia region of Germany in 1450. Word's meaning may have changed from mocking to referring to unrefined bread
Toast is bread browned by radiant heat through Maillard reaction. Word "toast" comes from Latin "torrere" meaning "to burn". First documented in 1430 recipe for Oyle Soppys. Used as drink flavoring in 1400s-1500s, still consumed in 1600s
Spätzle is a Central European egg pasta traditionally served with meat dishes. Name comes from Swabian "Spatz" meaning 'little sparrow'. Originates from 18th century Swabia, with medieval illustrations suggesting earlier date
Parmigiana is an Italian dish made with fried eggplant layered with Parmesan and tomato sauce. Origin claims come from Campania, Sicily, and Emilia-Romagna regions. Name possibly derived from Sicilian word for damigiana or palmigiana. Modern version appeared in Naples cookbook from 1837
Baguette is a French long, thin bread with a diameter of 5-6 cm. Typical length is 65 cm, maximum length is 1 m. Made from basic lean dough, defined by French law