Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd, is a tropical and subtropical vegetable with a bumpy skin, oblong shape, and bitter taste:
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AppearanceBitter melon is a member of the squash family and has a bumpy, warty exterior. It can be light to dark yellowish green in color, and turns yellow-orange when ripe. The two main varieties are the Chinese, which has smooth skin, and the Indian, which has bumpy skin.
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TasteBitter melon is very bitter, especially when ripe. To reduce the bitter taste, you can marinate sliced bitter melon in salt and squeeze out the bitter juice.
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UsesBitter melon is a common ingredient in Asian and Indian dishes, and is used in many ways, including:
- Stir-fried with pork
- In soups
- Consumed as a tea
- Sautéed with onion and garlic
- Juiced
- Stir-fried with pork
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MedicinalBitter melon has been used in folk medicine to treat diabetes, skin disorders, arthritis, rheumatism, and asthma.
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GrowingBitter melon vines can grow up to 16 feet long and need a trellis support system. The fruit is ready for harvest 50 to 70 days after seeding, and should be picked frequently, usually every 2 to 3 days.
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