Bitter Melon
8 April 2011
3,393 views
6 Comments
Ingredient Name: Bitter Melon, bittermelon
Chinese Name: 苦瓜 (Kǔguā)
An interesting fruit to say the least. I actually DO NOT enjoy the taste of bitter melon (at all), but some people actually LOVE it! This is a very unique melon in that you can find it in soups, stews, teas, drinks, and various Chinese dishes across the spectrum.
What is this?
-
Usually long, green and bumpy to texture (although some varieties are also yellow) – which also varies the bitterness
- It is bitter to taste (even after being cooked)
- The Chinese types are usually 20-30 cm in length
How do I prepare it?
-
Rinse in warm water
- Half and remove all seeds
- Cut into edible portions for soups or cooking
Where can I buy this?
-
Available in fresh marts in Hong Kong
- Also available in supermarkets
What is the cost?
- 1 bitter melon about 30cm in length cost around $5-6 HKD
Any benefits?
- Helps remove heatiness and eliminate heat
- Aids in digestion and stimulate appetite
- Have been found to be a anti-cancer agent and improve the immune system
- Also helps with dyspepsia and constipation
Any precautions?
- Avoid during pregnancies (it is a contraindication)
- Be sure to remove all seeds before consuming as can be toxic (especially with children)
Any substitutes?
- None, for the bitter taste, no other melon or fruit can replace it
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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hi souplady,
about this melon, i have a suggestion on making it less bitter. after you have clean and slice it, u can use salt to marinate it a while and give it some massage. then rinse..you can try it..
your blog post is really a great one that give all the info so clear and direct..oh ya, i’m from malaysia..have a nice day~
Jane, That’s great advice – I’ll actually try it with the salt. This may work for fried bitter melon dishes too! Thanks again and appreciate your support & comment. Lisa
I myself love bitter melons. When my mom cooks it, I don’t know how she does it .. but she manages to remove the bitterness. And that’s how I learned to love them.
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