Anyone grown or eaten bitter melon?

[Guest]

I have received a packet of Momordica charantia Bitter Gourd, Bitter melon (from a bargain basement lot) and am umm-ing and arr-ing whether I grow them (or at least keep them with the intention of growing them) or whether I pass them on.

Just seeing what others think to see if it sways my decision.

Thanks as always

[veggiechicken]

I "think" its also called Karela - but I haven't grown it or eaten it.

[SelkirkAlex]

standard part of any african survival training.I wouldn't call it inedible but you would have to be hungry to choose to eat it, fair source of moisture though, might make a curiosity veg if you enjoy tempting people to taste your new crop then watching their reactions,

actually several variants don't know the scientific names but I believe they all taste the same, they are called monkey apples because you see monkeys eating them seldom see the same with baboons though, as baboons are smarter

[DannyK]

It's an acquired taste. I think it tastes awful, but my wife who's from the Philippines relishes them together with unripe mangoes eaten with salt, and unripe guava!

Buy some first but only cook a small portion. My Tesco Extra has frozen ones. Fresh ones can be bought from Asian shops and they might be in Turkish shops as I saw a lot in Istanbul markets.

Food tastes are so subjective. I can't stand stilton but there's lots that do!

[Runtpuppy]

Karela is definitely an acquired taste, but it's absolutely delicious when prepared properly. As with all things bitter, it's also supposed to be great for your health.

There are ways to reduce the bitterness of the vegetable, but that little bitterness that remains adds to the taste and flavour of the dish.

I've never grown it, but would like to. My mum also has two recipes for it (one complex and the other quite simple) which I'll be happy to share if anyone wants them.