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What is the bitter gourd vegetable? It is, strictly speaking, neither a melon nor a vegetable. It is a vine belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, which makes it a cousin to the cucumber, squash and pumpkin. Even if it is commonly referred to as a vegetable, owing to its appearance, the green elongated cucumber-like vegetable is in reality a seed-bearing fruit. Inside are a bunch of white seeds that are doubly bitter than the already very bitter exterior. Its skin is distinctly warty and bumpy like alligator skin.
What are the other names of the Bitter Gourd?
Bitter melon is also called Momordica charantia, karela, amplaya, wild cucumber, balsam pear or the bitter gourd. Its quinine content makes it taste bitter like no other.
What is this bitter gourd good for?
It has several scientifically-proven benefits and nutritional value. A 100 mg serving of boiled bitter melon contains 4.32 g carbohydrates, 1.95 g sugar, 0.84 g protein, 93.95 g water, 1 mg calcium, 0.38 mg iron, 6 mg sodium and 0.77 mg zinc. It also contains Vitamins A, B, C, E and K. The bitter melon has more calcium than spinach, more potassium than a banana, and more beta carotene than broccoli, which simply means it is richer than most vegetables in your garden. It is also good for the eyes, just like the beloved carrot.
Bitter melon is most notable for its ability to control diabetes mellitus. Each piece of bitter melon vegetable contains valuable insulin-like compounds that lower the body’s blood sugar level. Diabetic patients regularly take bitter melon supplements to manage and control the disease.
This strangely delicious vegetable is said and has been proven on several occasions to treat a number of illnesses such as fungal infections, cholera, hemorrhage, jaundice and liver problems. It purifies blood, improves circulation, reduces hypertension, produces energy and stamina, and boosts the immune system.
In other words, it is good for the overall health and welfare of its consumers.
Where does the bitter gourd vegetable grow?
It thrives in countries that do not experience freezing winter. It is very popular both as a medicinal herb and delicious meal in China, India, Southeast Asia, parts of Japan, Africa and the Caribbean. As a medicinal plant, the Chinese boil it and often serve it as tea; as a deliciously bitter meal, it is prepared in a number of ways in several countries.
In Japan, the world-famous Okinawa cuisine includes the bitter gourd. The dish is said to promote long life.
In the Philippines, the most popular vegetable dish called “pinakbet” is not complete without ampalaya.
In Nepal, the “achar” pickle is loved by everyone. It is made from bitter melon.
Vietnamese love raw bitter melon slices with dried meat floss. Also very popular is the bitter melon soup with shrimp.
In Indonesia, one of the most popular dishes is the “gado-gado”, which includes bitter melon. The bitter vegetable is typically stir-fried, steamed or cooked with coconut milk.
Pakistanis and Bangladeshi people love the spicy flavor of the bitter melon vegetable cooked with red chili pepper, onions, turmeric powder, coriander powder, salt, and cumin seeds.
The popular Punjabi dish in India stuffs bitter melon vegetable with spices and fried in oil.
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