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The Benefits of Japanese Bitter Melon

Japan boasts an array of unique and quality vegetables, including the intriguing white bitter melon, or 'white gourd'. This vegetable is a fascinating variety that warrants further exploration. Let's delve into the benefits of this unique produce and uncover the reasons why it deserves a spotlight.

Administrator

9 August, 2024

In addition to the green bitter melon with yellow flesh, there is also a variety of white bitter melon with a pink interior that can be found in Japan. Join us as we explore this uniquely-colored bitter melon.

1What is White Bitter Melon?

The white bitter melon of Japan originates from the beautiful Okinawa Island, where it stands out for its pristine white color, earning it the nickname of “pearls” on the island. Its bitterness is mild, and it is packed with nutritious benefits.

What is White Bitter Melon?

White bitter melon, like its green counterpart, belongs to the gourd family, which includes pumpkins and watermelons. However, as it matures, it transforms into a white color with a pink interior. When unripe, it has a light green color.

Currently, this variety of bitter melon is cultivated across Asia, but the Okinawa strain is highly regarded for its attractive color and distinctive flavor.

2What Does White Bitter Melon Taste Like?

As mentioned earlier, white bitter melon shares the bitter taste of its green cousins, but the level of bitterness can vary. White bitter melon has a mild bitterness with a hint of richness, making it less bitter and more palatable than other varieties in the market.

3What Are the Benefits of White Bitter Melon?

White bitter melon boasts several health benefits, including:

Stimulating the Taste Buds

All bitter melons contain the compound alcaloid, which is responsible for their bitter taste. While the bitterness of regular bitter melon may be off-putting to some, those who acquire a taste for it find it delightful. The bitterness of white bitter melon is milder but still stimulates the nerve cells on the tip of the tongue, enhancing your appetite and aiding digestion.

Cooling and Detoxifying

If you tend to stay up late, consume alcohol or stimulants, or take medication for an illness, you may experience internal discomfort, especially during hot weather. White bitter melon contains unique components that help eliminate toxins from the body and cool the liver and kidneys effectively.

Promoting Beautiful Skin

Both white and green bitter melons are rich in vitamins and minerals, especially those with anti-aging properties. They help detoxify the liver and kidneys, contributing to younger-looking skin, reducing acne, and brightening the complexion from within.

Controlling Blood Sugar and Preventing Diabetes

White and green bitter melons contain a substance similar to insulin, which helps the body convert sugar into energy and maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Therefore, those aiming to lose weight or managing conditions like diabetes, high blood sugar, or high cholesterol should include bitter melon in their diet.

Boosting the Immune System and Preventing Cancer

By incorporating bitter melon into your meals, you’re providing your body with a natural source of protid and vitamin B17, which enhance immune function and offer protection against cancer.

4What Delicious Dishes Can Be Made with White Bitter Melon?

White bitter melon can be prepared in various ways, including boiling, stewing, stir-frying with eggs, or braising. Here are some mouthwatering dishes to try:

White Bitter Melon and Pork Rib Soup

The subtle bitterness of white bitter melon blends perfectly with the sweetness of young pork ribs, creating a soup that awakens your taste buds. This dish is excellent for cooling the body and promoting diuresis.

Braised White Bitter Melon Stuffed with Minced Meat

This dish surpasses the regular stuffed bitter melon in terms of appearance and flavor. The mild bitterness of the melon complements the fragrant minced meat, making it a perfect side dish with rice. It’s also beneficial for the liver and eyes.

Stir-fried White Bitter Melon with Meat

This dish is simple to prepare and involves shaving the white bitter melon into thin strips and stir-frying it with meat and seasonings to taste. It’s beneficial for the digestive system and the liver.

5How to Grow White Bitter Melon?

You can purchase white bitter melon seeds from online platforms like hatgionghoadep.vn, Tiki, and Shopee to start your own garden.

The cultivation process is straightforward and similar to growing other plants: Soak the seeds in warm water for 30 minutes, then sow them in the designated soil. Within two weeks, the seeds will germinate, and you can continue caring for the growing plants.

6Where to Buy White Bitter Melon and How Much Does It Cost?

Currently, this variety of bitter melon is not widely available in Vietnam, partly due to import restrictions during the pandemic. However, you can easily grow your own white bitter melon at home by purchasing seeds online and harvesting them for delicious dishes during this stay-at-home period.

The above information highlights the benefits of white bitter melon from Japan. Hopefully, it has helped you learn more about this unique vegetable, and we also look forward to the end of the pandemic so that we can enjoy this beautiful and nutritious food.

Frequently asked questions

Japanese bitter melon, also known as Goya, offers a range of potential health benefits. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, beta-carotene, zinc, and potassium. Regular consumption may help regulate blood sugar levels, boost immunity, improve digestion, support weight loss, and promote healthy skin and eyes.

Bitter melon is well-known for its ability to regulate blood sugar levels. It contains substances that act similar to insulin, helping to lower blood sugar spikes after meals. It also improves the uptake of glucose into cells, which can be beneficial for those with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.

Japanese bitter melon is an excellent source of vitamin C and other antioxidants, which help strengthen the immune system. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and promote overall health.

Bitter melon stimulates the digestive enzymes, helping to improve digestion and absorption of nutrients. It also has a mild laxative effect, which can aid in relieving constipation and promoting regular bowel movements.

Yes, bitter melon may support weight loss efforts. It is low in calories and contains fiber, which can help increase feelings of fullness and reduce appetite. Additionally, its ability to regulate blood sugar levels can prevent energy crashes and cravings for sugary foods.

The high vitamin C and beta-carotene content in Japanese bitter melon makes it beneficial for skin and eye health. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, which helps maintain skin elasticity and a youthful appearance. Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A, which is important for healthy vision and skin repair.