Bitter Melons

Quantity/Pack: 2 PoundsSeasonality: Year RoundOrigin: USA, MexicoGrown as a fruit but used as a vegetable, the Bitter Melon is actually a member of the squash family. Resembling a long, bumpy cucumber, Bitter Melon can be found in Asian and East Indian cooking. From 5-12 inches in length, the grooved yellow-green to dark green skin of the Bitter Melon gives way to a fibrous, seed-filled core. Its slightly sour flavor becomes quite bitter upon ripening.This bitter or quinine flavor (a bitter alkaloid) is often combined with garlic or chile. Once thought to contain medicinal qualities, in some parts of China, Bitter Melon is still used to purify the blood and cool the digestive system. Bitter Melon can be stuffed, curried or pickled.Bitter Melons from Melissa’s are hand-selected for excellent quality. Choose melons that are still green for optimal bitterness. For more mild flavoring, look for the yellow-green varieties. Store loose in a paper or plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to