For this reason, crops typically require a trellis support system after 4 to 6 feet in height.īitter melon prefers well-drained, sandy or silty loam. These fast-growing vines can extend to more than 15 feet long with numerous branches. Once leaves appear, the plant’s vines will sprout tendrils and start climbing. Soon after germination, the plant will grow three to four leaves. The plant can be transplanted or grown from seeds, which require warm and moist conditions to germinate. While typically cultivated in the field, it can also be grown in a greenhouse. The plant does best in lowland areas to altitudes of up to 3,200 feet. In the tropics, the gourd can be planted year-round as long as crops are properly irrigated during drier months. The Indian variety is smaller with pointy ends and rough, dark green skin featuring sharp ridges.īitter melon is a warm weather crop that thrives in daytime temperatures between 75 and 80☏. Rounded at the ends, this variety has light green skin with smooth, wart-like bumps. The Chinese melon is wider and longer, usually 8 to 12 inches in length. There are two primary types of bitter melon: Chinese and Indian. High in iron, calcium, potassium, beta carotene, folate, and Vitamin C, it is also being studied for potential treatment of infectious diseases, diabetes, skin conditions, and other ailments. Hailed for its medicinal value, this nutrient-rich fruit has attracted the attention of doctors and scientists across the globe. The curcubit is commonly used in Caribbean and Asian-inspired cuisine, including stew, soup, and stir fry meals. Considered the most bitter of all fruits, it is often soaked in water to diminish its bitterness and then boiled, fried, curried, steamed, or pickled. While technically a fruit, bitter melon is eaten as a vegetable and incorporated into dishes to add a delightfully acidic flavor. To a lesser degree, bitter melon is grown as a specialty vegetable in subtropical regions of the United States, including Florida, Hawaii, and California. Native to China and India, the fast-growing, climbing vine crop is widely produced throughout Asia, Africa, South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. ![]() Inside is a white layer of pulp with reddish-pink seeds, but the fruit is not eaten raw.Ī subtropical to tropical melon, it is one of the most popular vegetables in Southeast Asia. It is generally picked when green, though the fruit will eventually turn yellow or orange as it ripens. ![]() Ranging from 5 to 12 inches long (depending on variety), bitter melon resembles a wrinkled cucumber. In different parts of the world, this commodity is called bitter gourd, bitter squash, balsam apple, bitter cucumber, karalla, balsam pear, and a number of other names. Bitter melon ( Momordica charantia) is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes cucumbers, squash, watermelon, and muskmelon.
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