The Jilo, or Garden Egg is a very particular small eggplant. Particular in its growing season, its shape and color and its flavor. It is prized by local Brazilians to the point of a buying frenzy in mid to late August when it is harvested.
People wait for places to open to buy them; they'll outbid each other for bags of them. Most of all they beam with excitement and happiness as they walk away with small nuggets.
They are sliced, put in a little oil, a little water and sauted for about 10 minutes; they are often cooked with chicken.
They are sour and don't have the best aroma, but they are certainly clamored after — and can go for more than $5 a pound.