The investigation of a refuse pit from the Early Islamic period (the period of the Abbasid dynasty, 940-750 CE), that was revealed during archaeological excavations in the Ir David National Park around the walls of Old Jerusalem, has produced the seeds of and eggplant - the earliest known in Israel.
In addition, thousands of grape vines, olive pits and other edible produce were discovered in the excavations conducted by the Antiquities Authority in the City of David, financed and initiated by the Ir David City Association (Elad).