News varieties developed in the last 20 years or so have less bitter chemicals than the previous ones.

I cooked eggplant last night – I don't normally like them (mostly because of the slimy texture), but managed to get them acceptable last night.

Yes, you used to have to slice and salt eggplant to draw out the bitterness, then rinse it in fresh water before cooking. This is no longer required although I bet a large percentage of home cooks still do it.Yes, you used to have to slice and salt eggplant to draw out the bitterness, then rinse it in fresh water before cooking. This is no longer required although I bet a large percentage of home cooks still do it.