Bitter Gourd

Bitter gourd is the common name for bitter melon that is a fruit grown on a vine. Bitter gourd belongs to the family of Cucurbitaceae and known as one of the bitterest fruits. Goya (Okinawa term), Karela (Indian) and Cerasee (South American) are some of the common names used to refer bitter gourd. The fruit is oblong and the skin has a warty texture. Inside the fruit, there is a very thin layer of flesh that surrounds the flat seeds. Both skin and flesh of bitter gourd are edible but the taste of ripe fruit is much bitter as compared to unripe bitter gourd. Bitter gourd is a very common ingredient in cooking and bitter gourd dishes are widely prepared in almost every household. Due to its edible skin and taste it is used as a vegetable in various bitter gourd recipes such as bitter gourd soups, Chinese salads and Chinese stir-fried vegetables.

 

History of Bitter Gourd

The history and the origin of bitter gourd are not known except from the fact that this bitter fruit is a native of tropical and subtropical regions. The cultivation of bitter gourd is widely done in India and the Indian subcontinent. Countries like China and Africa are also popular for the cultivation of bitter gourd. Bitter gourd is widely grown in Caribbean and Southeast Asian regions as well.

 

Culinary Use of Bitter Gourd

Bitter gourd may appear to be an ingredient of lesser use due to its bitter flavor but in wide perspective it is observed to be used in various recipes of side dishes as well as main dishes. Some appetizers and snacks are also popularly made with bitter gourd. With crunchy and watery flesh, bitter gourd is a highly popular ingredient in Asian salads and side dishes. Bitter gourd dishes typically include stir-fried and soup recipes. Various bitter gourd curry recipes are quite popular for their health benefits. Steamed bitter gourd dishes make a popular addition to the culinary uses of the fruit. Variety of pickles are also prepared with bitter gourd and fondly eaten as condiment. Raw slices of this fruit are also added to some of the bitter gourd dishes such as soups and salads. The taste enhancers that are usually added to bitter gourd recipes are onion, tomato, fenugreek seeds, coriander powder and mango powder. The oblong shape and hollow interior makes bitter gourd an excellent vegetable for stuffing purposes. Beef, pork or even potato mixture can be stuffed to make delectable stuffed bitter gourd dishes.

 

Popular Bitter Gourd Recipes

• Pachi Pulusu – It’s a popular South Indian soup recipe that contains boiled bitter gourd along with grated coconut and other ingredients.

• Thoran – It is one of the most popular bitter gourd dishes specially prepared in South Indian ‘Sadya’. Bitter gourd is one of the ingredients used in making this traditional dish.

• Gado gado – It’s a traditional Indonesian salad with bitter gourd as one of the ingredient. This bitter gourd dish is made with peanut dressing.

• Pinakbet – It is one of the most famous bitter gourd recipes in Filipino cuisine.

• Stewed bitter melon – This dish is quite popular in Vietnamese cuisine as a side dish.

 

Cuisines Commonly Making Bitter Gourd Dishes

Bitter gourd is one of the most commonly used ingredients in almost all parts of the world. Although, it’s a readily available ingredient bitter gourd is widely cultivated in Asia, hence its usage is very high in Asian cuisine. Indian and Pakistani cuisines use bitter gourd dishes in most of their meals. Bitter gourd curry dishes, side dishes and even appetizers are quite popular in these cuisines. South Indians use bitter gourd in making various traditional dishes. Chinese soups, salads and stir-fried dishes include bitter gourd in one or the other form. Bitter gourd dishes made with pork and beans are well-liked in Chinese cuisine. Bitter gourd is a significant ingredient in Japanese Okinawa cuisine and its increasing use is considered as the cause of higher life expectancies in the region. Stuffed and sautéed bitter gourd dishes are highly appreciated in Vietnamese and Filipino cuisine. Nepalese cuisine is famous for its bitter gourd pickle that is served as a side dish with other Nepalese dishes. Apart from being a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine, bitter gourd is equally liked in Trinidad and Tobago. South American cuisine as well as Caribbean cuisine also makes innumerable bitter gourd dishes.

 

Preferred Methods of Making Bitter Gourd Dishes

Due to highly appreciated ingredient, bitter gourd has enormous ways of cooking. Few of them are as follows:

• Stir-fried – Stir-fried bitter gourd dishes are well-liked in Chinese cuisine as well as in Indian cuisine.

• Sautéed - Bitter gourd is best tasted when sautéed with onion, tomatoes and other spices.

• Stuffed – The oblong shape of bitter gourd is ideal for stuffing purposes.

• Boiled – Bitter gourd is often boiled and used to make various soup dishes.

• Curried – Curry bitter gourd recipes are quite popular in South Indian cuisine.

 

Nutritive Value of Bitter Gourd

Bitter gourd contains various essential vitamins and minerals that provide several health benefits. Some of the common health benefits obtained from bitter gourd dishes are as follows:

• The juice of bitter gourd is a very effective blood purifier.

• For diabetic patients, bitter gourd is a highly appreciated ingredient due to its sugar lowering properties.

• Certain kind of cancers and infections can be cured by the consumption of bitter gourd juice.

• Ailments like constipation, piles and psoriasis can be effectively treated with the use of bitter gourd.

• Even leaves of bitter gourd are also used in the effective treatment of alcoholism.

 

Consumption Criteria of Bitter Gourd

Excessive consumption of bitter gourd and bitter gourd dishes may lead to diarrhea. Diabetic patients should consult their doctor before starting the regular consumption of bitter gourd. Pregnant ladies should avoid excess consumption of bitter gourd dishes or juice as it leads to uterus stimulation and ladies can experience premature labor.

 

Buying and Storing Bitter Gourd

• It is always recommended to choose firm and unripe bitter gourds as ripe fruits are much bitter than the unripe variety.

• Soft spotted and orange looking bitter gourds should be avoided.

• Bitter gourds can be easily stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Room temperature storage may lead to over-ripening of the bitter gourd.

• Leftover bitter gourd dishes can also be kept in refrigerator and should be consumed with in 2-3 days.

 

Bitter Gourd: Trivia

• In a Chinese description, ‘bitter gourd’ is depicted as an angry face.

• Bitterness of bitter gourd can be reduced by soaking it in salty water.