Bitter Melon
Bitter melon has an oblong shape with a distinct warty surface and green color, which is quite similar to cucumber. The flesh of bitter melon is crunchy while ripe ones have a very strong bitter taste. Because of its healthy benefits bitter melon is often used in Chinese food as stir-fry recipe.
Other names:
Balsam pear, Bitter gourd.
Usage:
Before using, cut it in half lengthways then remove the seeds and pith with a spoon, after that cut it into thin cubes or round slices, and blanch in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, or wait until it turns into jade green color, as this can help reduce its bitter taste. Bitter melon is rarely mixed with other ingredients as a salad for a strong bitter taste, instead Chinese usually stir fry them with meat or other vegetables as a side dish.
Storage:
Stored in the plastic bag in the vegetable crisper section of the refrigerator, in this way they can be kept for 4 days.
Healthy Benefits:
Bitter melon not only has medicinal value, also has been used to treat low blood sugar and infections. Same as other bitter-tasting foods, bitter melon surely stimulates digestion. More over, bitter melon can treat HIV as well.
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