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Momordica Charantia or known as bitter melon or bitter gourd, is one
of the most bitter culinary vegetable but one of the healthiest
vegetable as well. It belong to the same family of squash, cucumber
and watermelon.

Bitter melon is said to have originated in Asia. Therefore it is
widely consumed in South Asian countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam,
Japan and Philippines as well as in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh,
Nepal, Turkey and many other countries in the world.

It is used as traditional medicine for a long time and as food in many
culture. Bitter melon fresh fruits are used mainly in dishes. The
young leaves and shoots can be eaten as well. And since it is an
all-year vegetable, you may shop at anytime. Buy fresh pods with no
blemishes and cuts on the surface.

If you have low tolerance for bitterness, choose the immature pods
which are less bitter. They are young and tender pods with pale green
color. As the pods mature  the bitterness increases and the green
color becomes darker.

Preparation for Cooking. Thoroughly wash the bitter melon in running
water. Scrape out the seeds with a spoon.

To Tame the Bitterness. Blanche or parboil with salt water to reduce
the bitterness.

Storage. Fresh fruits can be placed in plastic pouch. They can stay
fresh for about a week if stored in the vegetable compartment of the
refrigerator.

Things to Consider in Bitter Melon Cultivation

Climate. It is a warm season plant that can thrive in hot and humid
climate, with daytime temperature of up to 80F.

Soil. It can survive any soil with good drainage system, even in sandy
and poor soil. Moist soil should be avoided because the plant may rot.
Fertile and well-drained soil is still the best for cultivation.
Prepare soil by adding organic matter like dried manure or compost.
For faster germination, soak seeds in water before planting, with soil
temperature of about 65F.

Planting. Bitter melon has vines with thin stems and tendrils that
need trellis for support. Trellising will help the vines grow fast,
producing more fruits, and for easier harvesting.

Caring. Bitter melon needs regular watering and fertilizing. It is
recommended that the growing tip of the vine be cut off once it
reaches the top of the trellis. Even the lateral branches from the
soil must be cut, this will boost the upper branches to produce more
yield. In about six weeks, flowers should start to show. And within
2-4 months, fruition will occur.

Harvesting. Mature fruits ready for picking in about 3 months from
planting. Mature fruits are light to dark green in color. Pick mature
fruits regularly for new fruits to grow.

Seed Production. Fruits when fully mature will break open to release
white or brown seeds. Some vine and fruits must be left to produce
seeds. Seeds that are sorted must be washed and stored in a cool, dry
place. They are viable for about three years, reserved for subsequent
crops.

Pests and Diseases. Bitter melon vines are vulnerable to some insect
pests and certain diseases. Better choose resistant varieties to
plant. Pesticides to use must be non-toxic to honeybees. Bitter melon
fruits are exposed to fruit flies. So before the pests attack, wrap
the fruits with newspaper when view are a few centimeters long.