The Craft of Drying That Preserves Nutrition and Taste

In the heart of summer, when vegetables are fresh and the sun is at its peak, the season of drying vegetables begins in villages and rural areas—particularly in the Levant and southern Turkey—where eggplants can be seen hanging from long strings on balconies and rooftops. But eggplants are not dried as they are; they are first hollowed out with precision and skill to make them ready for stuffing with rice and meat later on. This dried, carved shape is not only a preservation method but also a preparatory step for one of the most iconic dishes in our cuisine: mahshi or dolma. Over time, this dried form of eggplant became part of the family’s winter stock, bringing back the flavor of summer amid the cold days of winter.

Handpicked Produce… A Product Worthy of You from Baladna

From this rich heritage, Baladna offers its dried eggplant product, relying on deep expertise and a keen understanding of modern consumer needs without compromising authenticity. Each eggplant is carefully selected to be small, finger-sized, and uniform in shape and texture. After meticulous hand-carving, the eggplants are left to dry under the sun using traditional methods that enhance their original flavor and aroma. They are then packed in clear bags that reveal their true size and quantity, placed inside an elegant cardboard box bearing the Baladna name to prevent breakage after drying. The box opens easily to reveal a finely crafted product that encapsulates everything you need in terms of quality, preparation, and ease of use.

Nutritional Value in a Dried Shell

Despite the drying process, Baladna dried eggplants retain much of their nutritional value, remaining rich in fiber, low in calories, and containing antioxidants and vitamins such as B1 and B6, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium. They are suitable for vegetarian diets, aid digestion, and promote satiety.

One Dish… and the Memory of Entire Nations

Once soaked in water, Baladna dried eggplants return to their natural tenderness and become ready for the most delicious fillings. In Syria and Lebanon, stuffed eggplants are a beloved dish served on festive occasions and large gatherings, cooked in olive oil or red sauce with meat. In southern Turkey, they are served alongside yogurt and fresh bread. In Iraq, Baladna dried eggplants are used in smoked dishes with a distinctive flavor that reflects a rich culinary heritage. In every recipe, the familial and warm character of this dish cannot be overlooked, bringing generations together around a single table.

Baladna… When Simplicity Becomes a Smart, Well-Crafted Solution

What Baladna offers is not just a product but a smart, convenient solution that replicates details that once required significant time and effort. Just imagine opening the package to find the eggplants ready: hollowed, dried, and carefully packed. This is what Baladna always strives for — to preserve the authentic spirit while meeting practical life needs, combining traditional taste with ease of use, and delivering a product that respects time and satisfies taste.