Purple is a color that is often associated with royalty, spirituality, and creativity. While many objects come in a variety of color options, there are some items that are almost always purple. In this article, we will explore some of the most common objects that you can expect to find in a purple hue.
Eggplants
One of the most iconic purple foods is the eggplant. More specifically, the most common variety is the Globe eggplant which has a deep purple skin and white flesh on the inside. The purple color comes from anthocyanins which are antioxidants that give many fruits and vegetables their vivid colors. In fact, the word “eggplant” first came into use in 1763 to replace the name “mad-apple” because the eggplant was the color and shape of goose eggs. While there are white and orange varieties of eggplant, the quintessential eggplant that comes to mind for most people is glossy and deep purple.
Lilacs
Lilacs are a popular spring-blooming flower that grows in clusters on shrubs and trees. There are over 2,000 varieties of lilacs but most of them produce purple flowers. Some common types of lilacs with purple blooms include:
- Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) – light purple
- French lilac (Syringa vulgaris ‘Sensation’) – reddish purple
- Hungarian lilac (Syringa josikaea) – dark purple
While lilacs can also come in white, pink, yellow, and even red, people often visualize purple when they think of these romantically-scented flowers.
| Lilac Variety | Color |
|---|---|
| Common lilac | Light purple |
| French lilac | Reddish purple |
| Hungarian lilac | Dark purple |
Grapes
Grapes come in green, red, and purple varieties. But when most people close their eyes and imagine grapes, they often picture the small, round, purple grapes. The purple grapes used for raisins, juices, jams, and wines are typically varieties of Vitis vinifera which is the main type of grape grown around the world. Popular purple grape varieties include:
- Concord grapes – often used for juices, jams, jellies
- Pinot noir – used to make red wines
- Cabernet Sauvignon – used for red wines
In the wild, grapes are naturally greenish or red. But centuries of cultivation have produced grapes with a desirable dark purple, almost black hue. These sweet purple grapes are now a quintessential fruit found in lunch boxes, perched atop cheese platters, dried into raisins, and crushed into wines.
| Grape Variety | Use |
|---|---|
| Concord grapes | Juices, jams, jellies |
| Pinot noir | Red wine |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Red wine |
Plums
Plums are stone fruits that come in a rainbow of skin colors including red, yellow, green, orange, blue, and deep purple. There are over 2,000 varieties of plums around the world. But when most people think of plums, they picture small, oval shapes with deep purple skin. Some popular types of purple plums include:
- Santa Rosa – sweet, juicy, widely available
- Satsuma – firm flesh, sweet and tart
- Elephant Heart – heirloom, extremely juicy
Plums traces their ancestry back to Damascus, Syria and then ancient China. The European varieties were likely descendants of the Asian varieties. Selective breeding over centuries has produced many tart, sweet, juicy purple varieties to enjoy out of hand or baked into tarts, cakes, jellies, and jams.
| Plum Variety | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Santa Rosa | Sweet, juicy, widely available |
| Satsuma | Firm flesh, sweet and tart |
| Elephant Heart | Heirloom, extremely juicy |
Amethyst
Amethyst is a type of crystalline quartz that forms in shades of purple, lilac, and mauve. Its color comes from traces of iron and other minerals present during formation. Amethyst ranges from transparent to opaque. The most valued form is a deep purple with rose flashes. For centuries, amethyst has been associated with royalty because of its regal purple tones. It was used for engraved gemstone rings and seals. The Smithsonian has an antique amethyst that weighs 400 pounds!
During the Middle Ages, European soldiers wore amethyst amulets for protection during battle. Amethysts were also used to decorate goblets because of the belief it could prevent intoxication. Amethyst crystals are still popular in jewelry and for use as meditation and healing stones.
Iris
Iris is a genus of about 300 flowering plants. While irises come in many colors, some of the most popular garden varieties feature purple blooms. Some classic purple irises include:
- Bearded irises – ruffled purple petals
- Siberian iris – small purple five-petaled flowers
- Louisiana iris – large purple blooms, native to Louisiana wetlands
Purple irises are often depicted in the famous paintings of Vincent Van Gogh. Irises became linked with French royalty, and the fleur-de-lis political symbol may have origins with a styled iris. Purple irises can add a regal touch to any garden.
| Iris Variety | Description |
|---|---|
| Bearded irises | Ruffled purple petals |
| Siberian iris | Small purple five-petaled flowers |
| Louisiana iris | Large purple blooms, native to Louisiana wetlands |
Lavender
Lavender is a flowering plant prized for its sweet floral scent. There are over 400 varieties of lavender. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and French lavender (Lavandula dentata) are among the most popular for gardens, and they both produce purple flowers. Lavender has been used for centuries for cleaning, cooking, medicine, and perfume. The essential oils have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
Lavender fields in the Provence region of France are hugely popular tourist destinations. The purple blooms inspires relaxation and are incorporated into aromatherapy. Lavender’s soothing purple flowers are also dried for fragrant sachets. Lavender wreaths are traditional gifts for new parents.
Conclusion
Purple is a mystical color linked to creativity and royalty throughout history. Many of our favorite fruits, flowers, gems, and herbs happen to be purple. While other color varieties exist, there are certain objects that we just automatically associate with the color purple. So the next time you see a purple object, think about how that vivid color came to be and what it inspires in us.
