Bitter Melon Recipes

Bitterness does not seem like the most appealing taste for food.  However, if you think about it… coffee, unsweetened cocoa, and beer.  They are all a bit bitter, yet a lot of people seem to love them.

What are Bitter Melons?

Bitter melons aka Bitter gourds are a unique veggie known for it’s bitter flavor. This veggie is often used in Asian cuisines such as India, Chinese, and Southeast Asian cuisine.

There are different types of bitter melons so they all can look different, but they mostly are green, oblong shaped and have a bumpy exterior. But not ALL of them, for example there is a Taiwanese variety that is white, and there are some varieties that are shorter and rounder.

Nutritional Benefits

It turns out bitter melon is a great source of dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants. Here are some vitamins and minerals Bitter melons are rich in:

• Vitamin C – boosts immune support
• Vitamin A – Great for eye health
• Potassium – Regulate blood pressure
• Iron – Support oxygen transport in the body
• B Vitamins – Essential for various body functions

Now for the Interesting fact of the day:  These babies have also been used as the bittering agent instead of hops in some Chinese beers!

So, when I was little I hated the taste, and so I hated Bitter Melons.  It tastes like medicine, and I couldn’t understand why anyone would want to eat it out of enjoyment.  I don’t know when I suddenly grown to like the taste, but I eventually did.  Taste acquired!

Bitter Melon Recipes

If you are interested in making some bitter melon recipes, check out these:

Garlic Stir Fry Bitter Melon (蒜蓉炒苦瓜)

Bitter Melon with Eggs

Crispy Stuffed Bitter Melon

Braised Stuffed Bitter Melon in Black Bean Sauce

Bitter Melon Soup with Pork Ribs

Stir fry White Bitter Gourd and Pork

Bitter Melon Curry

Stir-Fried Bitter Melon and Eggplant with Miso

Bitter Gourd Tempura

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