Bitter Melon

Ingredient Name: Bitter Melon, bittermelon

Chinese Name: (Kgu)

An interesting fruit to say the least. I actually DO NOT enjoy the taste of bitter melon (at all), but some people actually LOVE it! This is a very unique melon in that you can find it in soups, stews, teas, drinks, and various Chinese dishes across the spectrum.

What is this?

• Usually long, green and bumpy to texture (although some varieties are also yellow) - which also varies the bitterness
  
• It is bitter to taste (even after being cooked)
  
• The Chinese types are usually 20-30 cm in length
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Howdo Iprepare it?

• Rinse in warm water
• Half and remove all seeds
• Cut into edible portions for soups or cooking

Where can I buy this?

• Available in fresh marts in Hong Kong
• Also available in supermarkets

What is the cost?

• 1 bitter melon about 30cm in length cost around $5-6 HKD

Any benefits?

• Helps remove heatiness and eliminate heat
• Aids in digestion and stimulate appetite
• Have been found to be a anti-cancer agent and improve the immune system
• Also helps with dyspepsia and constipation

Any precautions?

• Avoid during pregnancies (it is a contraindication)
• Be sure to remove all seeds before consuming as can be toxic (especially with children)

Any substitutes?

< li> None, for the bitter taste, no other melon or fruit can replace it