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How to Choose Delicious and Safe Bitter Melons

Winter melon, a fibrous and nutrient-rich vegetable, is a culinary delight. Discover the secrets to selecting the perfect sweet and juicy winter melon for your next meal!

Administrator

11 July, 2024

Not only is it a nutritious food, but it also contains many other nutrients to help users lose weight and effectively brighten their skin. Choosing a delicious and safe green squash is not easy. will show you how to choose a delicious and safe green squash.

1. The nutritional value and effects of green squash

Nutritional value of green squash

Green squash is rich in nutrients, including: Water, fiber, and . It also contains high levels of , , and more.

On average, 100g of green squash contains the following nutrients:

0.4g
2.4g Glucid
19mg of Calcium
12mg
0.3mg of Iron
Vitamins (, , , , , , …, and minerals such as , Phosphorus, …).

Nutritional value of green squash

The benefits of green squash for health

Weight loss support

With the essential nutrients mentioned above, eating green squash daily will help keep your body cool, improve your skin, promote digestion, and aid in weight loss, especially for those struggling with obesity.

Enhances skin health

A diet rich in green squash will significantly reduce your weight while keeping your skin firm and glowing. For women, green squash also has a rejuvenating effect, maintaining youthful skin.

Enhances skin health

Eye health

The Vitamin C and beta-carotene in green squash help slow down age-related macular degeneration and reduce the risk of vision problems. It may also support the treatment of cataracts.

Improves digestive health

Green squash contains a type of soluble fiber that slows down the digestion of sugar and starch, reducing blood sugar levels.

Additionally, soluble fiber nourishes beneficial gut bacteria and lowers cholesterol and improves digestion.

Improves digestive health

2How to Choose the Best Green Squash: A Guide to Flavor and Food Safety

Buy green squash in season

Green squash bought in season will have a distinctive sweet taste and ensure food safety by reducing the amount of pesticides used. Off-season squash may be treated with more preservatives and growth stimulants to make them look as appealing as they do in season.

Typically, green squash season runs from May to September.

Buy green squash in season

Select green squash by observation

Consumers should choose large, plump squash with green skin. Avoid squash with black spots as these are likely overripe and will have a sour taste.

Young green squash will feel heavy and firm, and you should be able to make a slight dent with your fingernail. The skin should not be soft as this indicates that the squash is either wilted or has been stored for too long.

Consider the stem

The best green squash usually has a thick and fleshy stem, indicating that the squash is young and at its most flavorful and sweet.

Choose green squash by weight

When selecting green squash, consider its weight, opting for those that feel heavy and firm. Compare the weight of two squash, and choose the heavier one as it will be fresher and juicier.

Choose green squash by weight

3. Notes on consuming and storing green squash

Consumption notes

While green squash is highly nutritious and beneficial to health, certain individuals should refrain from consuming it. People with low blood pressure, a cold body constitution, abdominal distension, or a weak stomach should limit their intake of green squash.

Additionally, it is recommended to cook green squash thoroughly before eating or juicing to avoid digestive issues.

Consumption notes

Storage instructions

You can store fresh green squash in a cool environment at 10 – 13°C, and it will keep for up to six months using this method. However, smaller squash will only last for about three months. Avoid storing green squash with apples (or pears and other ripe fruits) as they will cause the squash to turn yellow and spoil.

Storage instructions

4. Delicious dishes made with green squash

Green squash and pork rib soup

Green squash (also known as loofah squash) is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various healthy soups. One such dish is green squash and pork rib soup. When cooked, the squash retains its texture and fragrance, and the broth is sweet and refreshing. This soup is best enjoyed with hot rice. Why not try making this delicious and nutritious soup for your family?

See also:

Green squash and pork rib soup

Green squash stuffed with minced meat

On hot days, there’s nothing better than a bowl of green squash stuffed with minced meat. Green squash has a sweet and refreshing taste, making it perfect for cooling down in the summer heat. This dish also provides essential nutrients and boosts the immune system to fight off seasonal illnesses.

See also:

Green squash stuffed with minced meat

Green squash braised with peppercorns

Green squash braised with peppercorns is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. This dish can be made with or without meat, offering a tasty alternative to meat and fish dishes. Why not give it a try?

See also:

Green squash braised with peppercorns

5. Our Store: The Best Place to Buy Green Squash at Great Prices

At our store, we offer green squash that is safe and free from harmful chemicals. Our products are carefully stored in a temperature-controlled environment to ensure freshness.

When you shop with us, you’ll enjoy fantastic promotions and discounts. With such great deals, why not stock up on this delicious and nutritious vegetable?

See also: Fresh produce at Bach Hoa Xanh

Our products are carefully stored to ensure freshness

Frequently asked questions

When selecting bitter melons, look for those that are firm, with a deep green color, and feel heavy for their size. Avoid melons with soft spots, discoloration, or signs of mold. Check the ends for freshness and ensure they are not dry or shriveled. Also, choose medium-sized bitter melons as they tend to have a better balance of bitterness and sweetness.

Bitter melons that are spoiling will often have soft spots, discoloration, or mold. The ends may appear dry and shriveled, indicating they are past their prime. Additionally, if the melon feels lightweight for its size or has an odd smell, it is likely spoilt.

Yes, you can store bitter melons in the refrigerator, which will keep them fresh for about a week. Place them in a plastic bag or wrap them in a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. You can also freeze bitter melons by cutting them into slices or cubes and storing them in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

The bitter taste in bitter melons comes from a compound called cucurbitacin, which is naturally present in the fruit. This compound has been linked to various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects. However, excessive consumption of bitter melon with high levels of cucurbitacin can lead to bitter melon poisoning.

To reduce the bitterness, you can soak sliced bitter melons in salt water for about 20-30 minutes, then rinse and squeeze out the excess water. Alternatively, you can parboil the melon slices for a few minutes, drain them, and then proceed with your recipe.