Bitter gourd

Bitter Gourd

Momordica charantia is a tropical and subtropical vine of the family Cucurbitaceae, widely grown for edible fruit, which is among the most bitter of all vegetables. English names for the plant and its fruit include bitter melon or bitter gourd. The fruit has a distinct warty looking exterior and an oblong shape. It is hollow in cross-section, with a relatively thin layer of flesh surrounding a central seed cavity filled with large flat seeds and pith. Seeds and pith appear white in unripe fruits, ripening to red; they are not intensely bitter and can be removed before cooking. The flesh is crunchy and watery in texture, similar to cucumber, chayote or green bell pepper. The skin is tender and edible. The fruit is most often eaten green. The bitter melon more typical of India has a narrower shape with pointed ends, and a surface covered with jagged, triangular "teeth" and ridges.

1. In the cuisines of South Asia and the West Indies, it is often prepared with potatoes and served with yogurt on the side to offset the bitterness, or used in subzis.

2. In Punjabi cuisine, bitter melon is stuffed with spices and then fried  (Also see )in oil

3. In the cuisine of South Indian state of Kerala, for making a dish called thoran mixed with grated coconut, theeyal and pachaadi

4. In Andhra Pradesh, the popular recipes include curry, deep fry with peanuts (ground nuts), 'Pachi Pulusu' ( a kind of soup made up of boiled Bitter Melon, fried onions and other spices)

5. Bitter gourd juice is a popular health drink, especially for diabetics.

6. In Indonesia, bitter melon is prepared in various dishes, such as stir fry, cooked in coconut milk, or steamed.

1. Bitter gourd contains vitamin A, B1, B2, and C. It also contains minerals like calcium, phosphorous, iron, copper and potassium. 

2. From the ayurvedic perspective, bitter gourd is excellent for balancing Kapha. It helps purify blood tissue, enhances digestion, and stimulates the liver

3. Folk wisdom has it that bitter melon helps to prevent or counteract type-II diabetes. A recent scientific study at JIPMER, India has proved that bitter melon increases insulin sensitivity and can lower elevated blood sugar levels.