What is Bitter Melon?
Bitter melon is a tropical member of the cucurbit family, grown in Asia as a source of food. The intensely bitter flavor of bitter melon is a popular addition to the cuisine of many Asian nations, ranging from India to the Philippines, although it has not caught on in the West. Like many somewhat obscure Asian vegetables, bitter melon is readily available at Asian markets, in season, and it can also sometimes be found in preserved form. It is also possible to grow bitter melon in a home garden, if you live in a tropical area or you have a greenhouse.