Efforts to boost the purchase and consumption of locally grown fruits and vegetables continue as the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Taiwan Technical Mission hosted its first-ever Eggplant Culinary Experience.

The Eggplant Culinary Experience intended to encourage a conscious shift in consumption habits and behavior toward the use of the eggplant, as students from the Stanley Jon Odlum Memorial Secondary School, Castries Comprehensive Secondary School, and Upton Gardens Girls’ Centre showcased different ways in which the crop can be incorporated into daily meals.

Dishes on display included cheezy eggplant, eggplant bread, candied eggplant, and hotel-style eggplant which whilst appetizing can also give a decent supply of potassium and fiber.

Ambassador of the Republic of China, Taiwan to Saint Lucia, Peter Chia-yen Chen in commending the students on their creativity and innovation in designing eggplant recipes says his Government and People have taken note of youth interest in various aspects of the agri-food industry and as such will remain steadfast in working with the agriculture ministry to promote capacity-building in Saint Lucia’s agriculture sector to improve livelihoods and enhance food security.

“Eggplant is one of my favourite vegetables but today is really beyond my expectation.  Didn’t know we could use eggplant to make so many different kinds of food like ordinary dishes or even candy. I never imagined that you can use eggplant o make candy so that is really amazing. Today we also see a lot of talented young people that’s why my government work with the Government of Saint Lucia to build and promote capacity in Saint Lucia.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Rural Development, Hon. Alfred Prospere in highlighting that the rising costs of food imports and product unavailability remain a challenge for Saint Lucia notes that efforts like the Eggplant Culinary Experience are strategic actions aimed at boosting awareness of the necessity of purchasing locally in order to strengthen Saint Lucia’s food security.

“ Our food import bill continues to rise because we are not giving enough attention o the things that we grow in Saint Lucia. As a ministry, we must take that bold step to make it happen. Eggplant, just imagines, I really didn’t see the demand for eggplant, but I just heard that there is an increase in demand for it, and what a time now for us to use our eggplant and convert it into agro-processing and products that we can see on our supermarket shelves. You know the opportunities that it creates for our single mothers where they can go into the reproduction of those products using eggplant. Eggplant can grow very well into Saint Lucia so why not tap into this and take this to the next level”

Minister Prospere reiterated the importance of building loyalty toward local production and local brands as the Government of Saint Lucia continues efforts to promote local production and reduce in the food import bill.