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)
Braised Stuffed Bitter Melon in Black Bean Sauce
Bitter Melon Soup with Pork Ribs
Stir fry White Bitter Gourd and Pork
Stir-Fried Bitter Melon and Eggplant with Miso
Pin for later!
Denise says
Thank you for your ping back. I do have a few bitter melon posts on my foodblog. Let me see if I have another bitter melon with fried eggs pix. The ingredients are the same but not the method.
http://denisefoodblog.wordpress.com/2012/08/11/my-favorite-bitter-melon-recipe-bitter-melon-stuffed-with-ground-pork-garlic-and-bean-sauce/
Vordoo says
my favorite dish of bitter melon is scramble egg bitter melon! Just cooked it last week and everyone loves it
oh, and you know there's a way to get rid of the bitterness of the melon? When you finish slicing it, put them in a bowl and follow with little bit of salt and then just rub and squeeze it until juice coming out. Discard the juice and there you have it, a not so bitter melon!
ohsnapitstina says
Interesting! I've never had bittermelon with scrambled eggs before... might need to try that sometime! Thanks for letting me know about the trick for getting rid of the bitterness! I don't mind it so much, but I know a lot of people do... will be good to use if I ever cook for people that don't like bitter things!
Vordoo says
I'm about to upload the scrambled egg bitter melon in a min 🙂
and pleasure :), sharing this trick is a must cause i know majority of people don't like its bitterness, haha
SL says
I know they're healthy but I HATE bitter melons. Always have, always will. Same goes for eggplants. I just can't.
pimpchef says
My homie who runs the blog I post on is a Filipino. He had me try some of this stuff that his moms made. Look, this stuff might cure cancer, but I ain't gonna it ever again. Nasty. It was after I ate it that my homie says he can't it either.
Tina says
Haha, that is funny. I will say it is DEFINITELY an acquired taste! When I was little I never thought I'd 'acquire' it, but apparently I did now. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
35andupcynicismonhold says
hello! in the philippines, they're called "ampalaya." they're staple vegetables over here, used as ingredient in several meat and veggie recipes. i love them, always... ^^btw, they're also good for diabetes control and regulation of certain chemicals in the body... 🙂 hello!
Tina says
Hi! I did read that from somewhere too, that they are good for diabetes! That is good to know! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
sani panini says
The pictures look good!!
Tina says
Thanks! I had other bloggers to thank for the first three though 🙂 That last one was one I took of my mom's cooking!
Zachary Long says
I still don't like bitter melon, but I can see how it's an acquired taste... that I haven't acquired yet 🙂
Tina says
Hi Zach!
Thanks for visiting the blog! 🙂 Yeah, I think it takes a pretty long time to acquire it.. so long that some people never do!
Say hi to Miles and Betty for me!