Bitter melon, also known as ridged melon or ridged gourd, is a small to medium sized gourd. It has a long and slender oblong shape, which tapers slightly at the ends. Bitter gourd has ridged skin with warts and bumps.
Bitter melon’s rind is thick and underneath the skin, the flesh is white colored with thick crunchy edible seeds. The texture of bitter gourd’s flesh is crisp and watery. As suggested by the name, bitter melon has a bitter flavor.
Bitter melon can range from 10 – 25 cm (4-10 inches) in length.
Scientific name of Bitter Melon
Momordica charantia
Other names of Bitter Melon
- Bitter gourd
- Bitter apple
- Bitter squash
- Balsam-pear
- Karelā
- Nigauri
Calories by source in Bitter Melon
- Calories by carbohydrate in Bitter Melon = 77%
- Calories by fat in Bitter Melon = 8%
- Calories by protein in Bitter Melon = 15%
Nutrition facts of Bitter Melon
*Serving size = 100 grams = 3.55 Ounces = 1/2 cup
*DV= % Daily Value (%DV indicates how much nutrients contribute to a person’s daily diet from a serving of a food. DV assists you in determining whether or not a serving of food is high or low in a particular nutrient.)
| Nutrient | Amount | Unit | DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 17 | KCAL | |
| Fat | 0.17 | GRAM | 0% |
| Protein | 1 | GRAM | 2% |
| Carbohydrate | 3.7 | GRAM | 1% |
| Fiber | 2.8 | GRAM | 10% |
Detailed vitamin profile of Bitter Melon, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, Folate, Niacin, Thiamin, and Riboflavin is shown in the chart.
Detailed mineral profile of Bitter Melon, Sodium(Na), Calcium(Ca), Copper(Cu), Iron(Fe), Magnesium(Mg), Selenium(Se), Phosphorus(P), Potassium(K) and Zinc(Zn) is shown the chart.
Check freshness in Bitter Melon
- Select firm and unblemished bitter gourd
- Green bitter gourds have more bitter taste when compared to greenish yellow bitter gourds
Availability of Bitter Melon
- Generally bitter melon is available round the year
How to store Bitter Melon
- Whole bitter gourd can be stored in refrigerator for 4-5 days.
- Sliced bitter gourd pieces can be stored in refrigerator for a day ( after that the pieces will start turning dry)
Complete nutrition facts of Bitter Melon
Click on the link HERE to download high quality, high resolution and print ready PDF version of the Bitter Melon nutrition chart/infographic.
