Bitter gourd is a widely known and loved food for its delicious flavor and numerous health benefits. In this article, we will provide you with tips on how to choose the most delicious bitter gourd.
1 Nutritional Value and Benefits of Bitter Gourd
Nutritional Value of Bitter Gourd
- Calories: 17
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: less than 1 gram
- Carbs: 3 grams
- Sugar: 1 gram
- Vitamin A: 40% of recommended daily intake (RDI)
- Vitamin C: 16% RDI
- Vitamin E: 14% RDI
- Vitamin K: 13% RDI
- Calcium: 10% RDI
- Iron: 9% RDI
- Magnesium: 8% RDI
- Phosphorus: 8% RDI
- Potassium: 7% RDI
- Zinc: 7% RDI
- Thiamine: 5% RDI
Health Benefits of Bitter Gourd
- Antioxidant benefits: Bitter gourd is rich in antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene, which protect against oxidative stress.
- Good for digestion: The fiber content in bitter gourd promotes digestion and reduces the risk of constipation.
- Improves cardiovascular health: Regular consumption of soluble fiber from bitter gourd can help lower LDL cholesterol and improve heart health.
- Aids in weight loss: Bitter gourd has a high water content and low calorie density, which helps reduce hunger and support weight loss.
2 Tips for Choosing Delicious and Appealing Bitter Gourd
Bitter gourd fragrance is highly favored for its delicious flavor and nutritional value. To choose the best bitter gourd fragrance, consider the following tips:
Bitter gourd fragrance is typically 25 cm to 30 cm long or even longer, with a cylindrical shape and light green outer skin. It has a pleasant mild fragrance both when fresh and when used in cooking. When cooked, bitter gourd fragrance becomes soft and delicious.
Sponge gourd, on the other hand, is slimmer but shorter than bitter gourd fragrance. It has a dark green outer skin with darker stripes on the surface. When cooked, sponge gourd is not as soft and fragrant as bitter gourd fragrance, but it has a firmer texture and less fragrance.
To ensure freshness, choose bitter gourd in the right season. Look for gourds that are heavy to hold, with fresh stems and no black spots on the skin. It is recommended to purchase bitter gourd from reputable grocery stores or large supermarket chains to ensure product quality and safety.
3 Tips for Eating and Storing Bitter Gourd
There are two groups of people who should avoid bitter gourd: those who are allergic and those who have certain illnesses such as cold or diarrhea, as it may worsen their condition. If the bitter gourd tastes excessively bitter, it should be discarded and not consumed.
Additionally, bitter gourd should not be eaten with certain foods such as white radish or bitter melon.
Bitter gourd can be easily stored by wrapping it tightly and placing it in the refrigerator. Alternatively, rinse it thoroughly, place it in a zip or plastic bag, and store it in a cool and humid environment.
4 Delicious Bitter Gourd Dishes
Bitter Gourd Soup with Clams
Bitter gourd combines wonderfully with fresh and sweet clams, making it a perfect soup for summer. The combination of clams with tender and sweet bitter gourd creates a delicious and appealing dish.
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Bitter Gourd Soup with Morning Glory
To prepare this dish, soak dried shrimp in water for approximately 10 minutes until soft. Rinse the bitter gourd and cut it into small pieces. Remove the leaves from the morning glory, rinse them, and cut them into 3-4 cm lengths. This refreshing soup is perfect for hot summer days.
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Bitter Gourd Soup with Peanuts
Rinse the peanuts with clean water and lightly blend them. Peel and rinse the bitter gourd, then cut it into small pieces. This refreshing dish combines the slight nuttiness of peanuts with the unique flavor of bitter gourd.
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5 Our Store: The Best Bitter Gourd Supermarket
Refer to: 1kg of fresh and delicious bitter gourd available at our store.
We hope this article has provided you with valuable information on choosing and enjoying delicious bitter gourd. Share your own bitter gourd recipes in the comments section below.