What is bitter melon?

Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd or Momordica charantia, is a tropical and subtropical vine of the family Cucurbitaceae, widely grown in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean for its edible fruit. The fruit has a distinct warty 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. The fruit is most often eaten green, or as it is beginning to turn yellow. Its taste is bitter, which is where its name comes from.

What can I make with Bitter Melon?

Some dishes you can make with bitter melon include stir-fry with other vegetables and meats, bitter melon soup, stuffed bitter melon, and bitter melon salad. It's also used in some traditional medicine concoctions.