Eggplants (aubergine) are a favorite of mine and I buy them often. I like eggplants for their fiber, taste, and versatility of use. ( My method of cooking, by the way : on the stove top over direct flame - messy but delicious).
During the last years one sees huge eggplants in various purple shades, in addition to the normal looking eggplants . I'll buy, of course, the normal size, shape, and color, as the huge ones are probably grown with pesticides and hormones (non organic, non - GMO food).
big eggplant
My approach applies to all veggies and fruits. When shopping at the market or grocery store I'll choose only those food items that resemble in size, shape, color, taste the ones I'm used to, since childhood.
From reading, I understand that eggplants are very popular in south-eastern asian countries , such as Bangladesh . Eggplants (known there as Brinjal) are grown as genetically modified from 2014. Those in favor of GMO claim that the crops are good (reduced pesticide), the farmers' profits high, and that it gives the people of this country some food security.
As far as I know, GMO is bad for human consumption. After all, veggies and fruits are our body's nutrition and fuel. We take from them vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber - all necessary to make body and mind work. We don't wish our nutrition to get genetically manipulated in the lab.
Lately, there's been a lot of talk about possible food insecurity in the world as a result of Climate Change and the Covid-19 pandemics. I believe we might indeed face, at some point, food insecurity and even famine. This calls for alertness, as it may bring GMO into the picture.
* web pictures