Bitter Melon
Photo: flickr user pink_fish13
About
A bitter vegetable commonly used in South and Southeast Asia, China, Caribbean, and Africa. Resembling a bumpy skinned cucumber, the melon is usually green in color, though sometimes yellow or orange.
Bitter melon is believed to aide in digestion and to combat malaria.
Information
Other names: Amargoso, Balsam Pear, Bitter Gourd
Translations: Πικρό Πεπόνι, المرير البطيخ, Le melon amer, 苦瓜, Bitter dinja, Khổ Qua, המר מלון, Горка диња, Bitter Meloen, 비터 멜론, Mapait Melon, कड़वे तरबूज, Melón amargo, Горький дині, 苦瓜, Горький дыни, Meló amarg, Горчив пъпеш
Tasting Notes
Substitutes: Winter melon
Preparation and Use
To help remove the bitter taste, after chopping the bitter melon, you can soak it in water with a little salt for at least 30 minutes.