Asian Bitter Melon Uses, Nutrition, and Benefits
Also Called Bitter Gourd, Cucumber, Karela, Balsam Pear or Apple
Sep 30, 2009
Commonly used in Asia, Latin America, and East Africa, bitter melons range in color from white to green and look like a wrinkled cucumber. Bitter melon goes by many names, including Balsam Pear and Balsam Apple, is a bitter tasting vegetable related to gourds.
Bitter melon is eaten for its medicinal and nutritional benefits. Although the Food & Drug Administration has not evaluated the vegetable for these claims, it's commonly accepted in Eastern cultures to be a beneficial food.
Bitter Melon Medical and Nutritional Benefits
According to the National Bitter Melon Council, bitter melon is rich in iron, calcium, potassium, and beta carotene. The bitter vegetable also contains Vitamins A, C, B1, B3, Phosphorous, and dietary fiber.
Aetna InteliHealth reports some believe bitter melon medical benefits could aid in diabetes, HIV, and cancer but that only poorly designed studies have been conducted to date. It's believed bitter melon may lower blood sugar levels but it's unproven and uncertain in what does bitter melon would have this effect. Due to this, persons with diabetes should avoid the vegetable or evaluate its use with a medical professional.
Bitter melon seeds are being evaluated in HIV prevention and as treatment for various cancers. While it also remains unproven, limited studies have indicated bitter melon extract may slow breast and cervical cancer.
How to Select and Prepare Bitter Melon
Bitter melons which are firm and green will typically be more bittern than melons which are slightly yellow to orange in color. The vegetable should be free of blemishes or bruises. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
To use the bitter melon, it should cut in half lengthwise. The interior of the bitter melon contains a white pith and large seeds. Using a large spoon, scrape lengthwise down the center of the vegetable to remove the pith and seeds. The bitter melon may now be sliced or cut into chunks for use in cooking.
Bitter melon can be used in stir-frys, soups, and even omelets depending on a person's preference. The vegetable is bitter in taste and pairs nicely with slightly sweet accompaniments like eggs or tomatoes.
Bitter Melon Egg Omelet Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 bitter melon, pitch and seeds removed
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Heat a large frying pan over medium heat
- Slice bitter melon into 1/8" thin slices crosswise. The pieces will look like half-moon shapes.
- Add bitter melon to dry frying pan and saute until the vegetable becomes limp and nearly cooked through.
- Add beaten eggs, soy sauce, salt and pepper.
- Allow the eggs to cook for 1-2 minutes or until firmly set. Using a spatula, flip the omelet over to finish cooking the uncooked side.
- Remove from pan and serve with steamed rice.
Bitter melon can be found in most Chinese markets from May to October when it is in season. The bitter vegetable comes from the gourd family and in Eastern cultures is thought to have medicinal value in diabetes, HIV, and caner treatments. The vegetable is truly bitter but can be used with sweeter pairings like eggs or tomatoes. Bitter melon works well in omelets and can also be used in stir-fry or soup recipes.
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