Bitter gourd


Also known as:
Bitter melon, bitter squash, and Karela.

Description:
It is a tropical and subtropical vine of the family Cucurbitaceae, and widely grown in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. Bitter gourd is the most bitter of all gourds and vegetables. Bitter melon comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. It is oblong with bluntly tapering ends and pale green in colour, with a warty surface.

Commonly used in:
Curries, crispies, theplas, stir fry, stuffed karelas etc.

Health benefit:
Among other things, bitter gourd is well known for its ability to lower blood glucose in diabetics.