Bitter Melon

Bitter melon (**_Momordica charantia_**), also known as bitter gourd, karela (India), or ampalaya (Philippines), is a tropical vine fruit celebrated for its intensely bitter flavour and its long history of use in traditional medicine across Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. * **Distinctive Appearance:** It is a member of the squash/gourd family (Cucurbitaceae) and resembles a warty, oblong cucumber. It is most often consumed when green and immature, at which point its flesh is crunchy and the bitterness is most pronounced. * **Nutritional and Medicinal Value:** Despite its taste, bitter melon is highly valued for its health properties: * **Blood Sugar Management:** It is best known for its potential to help lower blood sugar, as it contains compounds that mimic the effect of insulin, making it a popular traditional remedy for Type 2 diabetes. * **Rich in Nutrients:** It is a good source of fibre and is particularly rich in **Vitamin C** and **Vitamin A**, as well as other antioxidants like beta-carotene. * **Antioxidant Effects:** It contains potent antioxidants that help protect cells from damage and fight inflammation. * **Culinary Uses:** To reduce its intense bitterness, the fruit is often soaked in salt water before being cooked. It is a staple ingredient in various cuisines, where it is often **stir-fried with meat, used in curries (sabzi), stuffed, or brewed into teas.**