Aubergine and eggplant are the same thing, and the terms can be used interchangeably. Aubergine is a French word, and it is how Europeans refer to what Americans would typically call an eggplant. The original aubergine that was brought to North America by immigrants looked like white eggs, which is why it was called eggplant. Aubergines are a type of solanaceous fruit that is native to Asia and is characterized by its deep purple exterior that is both firm and smooth in texture. They are glossy in light and are capped with a bright green stalk. The interior is spongey when raw and full of seeds. Eggplants, like aubergines, belong to the nightshade family of plants and are used in many different dishes around the world. They are a nutrient-rich food that contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and may benefit overall health, including the heart.