GOURD-BITTER MELON-LONG

Momordica charantia GOURD-BITTER MELON-LONG gourds can grow up to 30cm long on herbaceous vines that can reach 5 meters long.  Belonging to the Cucurbitaceous family there are two types commonly cultivated world wide that have slightly different appearances and flavour.  And both are prepared in different ways for eating.  The Chinese variety are generally lighter green and not as bumpy as the other Indian variety which usually has a darker yellowish green skin with more lumps and bumps.   Both are found in India, Asia, Africa, Australia, Caribbean and  other middles eastern countries. Can be fried, steamed, boiled (added to soups), stuffed, made into a tea and even juiced along with other vegetables. The cucurbitacin's compounds in the flesh is what gives them their bitter flavor.   Said to be a good source of vitamin C to reduce inflammation, improve the immune system, and boost collagen production.  Plus vitamin A for healthy organ functioning, potassium to balance fluid levels, and some calcium for bones and teeth.  Other elements include folate, iron, zinc, and fiber. A sub-tropical / tropical vine can be planted directly into soil at the end of spring into early summer.  If planting in a greenhouse they can be planted outside after the last front and when the temperate is around 21C.   Plant is well drained composted soil on a trellis or fruit will rot if grown like a training plant where the fruit lies on the ground.  The plant produces both male and female flowers which you will have to hand pollinate if growing indoor and catch the male flower before it drops off after only one day.  Harvest the fruits when they are roughly 20cm long.  The darker the colour the more bitter they are and the younger they are the less bitter they are. Save the seeds from overripe yellow fruit, (seeds will be red) dry and store in a cool place.  Mature fruit has brown and white seeds.  They are easily dried and store lasting up to 2 to 3 years.  Soak overnight before planting.