Fresh Karela Bittermelon:

Bitter Gourd is a tropical vegetable; which derives its name from its extremely bitter taste, in fact is among the most bitter of all vegetables. It is a popular vegetable in Asian countries, where its health benefits are well-known, particularly, its ability to lower blood glucose in diabetics.

The fruit has a distinct warty exterior and an oblong shape. It is hollow in cross-section, with a relatively thin layer of flesh surrounding a central seed cavity filled with large, flat seeds and pith.

The fruit is most often eaten green, or as it is beginning to turn yellow. At this stage, the fruit's flesh is crunchy and watery in texture, similar to cucumber, chayote or green bell pepper, but bitter.

The skin is tender and edible. Seeds and pith appear white in unripe fruits; they are not intensely bitter and can be removed before cooking.

 Scientific name: Momordica   charanti

 English Name: bitter gourd

 Indian Name: Karela

 Medicinal values: stomach complaints, relieve diabetes, Cancer 

Bitter gourd has proven to have benefit in treating respiratory disorders such as asthma, bronchitis, pharygitis, and rhinitis. The juice of the bitter gourd is beneficial in treating piles & constipation. Traditional medicine recommends drinking bitter gourd juice on an empty stomach in the morning to lower the blood sugar level and keep diabetes in check.

 Recipe: Karela and capsicum subzi Bitter gourd curry

 Stuffed Bitter gourd is a delicacy, in which it is stuffed with spices and then cooked in oil. Fry with different spices, less bitter and crispy preparation is served with grated coconut.