Local Name: Karala
English: Bitter gourd
Scientific name: Momordica
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Availability: Throughout the year
Description: Momordica charantia (colloquially: bitter melon; bitter apple; bitter gourd; bitter squash; balsam-pear; with many more names listed below) is a tropical and subtropical vine of the family Cucurbitaceae, widely grown in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean for its edible fruit. Its many varieties differ substantially in the shape and bitterness of the fruit.
The fruit has a distinct warty exterior and an oblong shape. It is hollow in cross-section, with a relatively thin layer of flesh surrounding a central seed cavity filled with large, flat seeds and pith. The fruit is most often eaten green, or as it is beginning to turn yellow. At this stage, the fruit’s flesh is crunchy and watery in texture, similar to cucumber, chayote or green bell pepper, but bitter. The skin is tender and edible. Seeds and pith appear white in unripe fruits; they are not intensely bitter and can be removed before cooking.
Health Benefits:
– Acts as a blood purifier
– Helps in weight loss
– Improves immunity
– Great for diabetes
– May Have Cancer-Fighting Properties
– Could Decrease Cholesterol Levels
– Versatile and Delicious etc.