The Secret to Reducing Bitter Melon’s Bitterness by 70%: A Trick Up Your Sleeve.

Bitter melon, or bitter gourd, is a fruit that is known for its cooling properties in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It helps detoxify the body, particularly the liver, and treats skin conditions such as prickly heat. Modern science has identified bitter melon as a rich source of essential nutrients, including fiber, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and B-complex vitamins such as folate, niacin, pyridoxine, riboflavin, and thiamin. Notably, bitter melon has an exceptionally high content of vitamin C, which boosts immunity and promotes healthy skin.

This fruit has also been scientifically proven to be extremely beneficial for diabetic patients and individuals with high blood sugar levels.

Tips to Reduce the Bitterness of Bitter Melon by 70%

Bitter melon can be cooked in various ways, such as making soup, salad, stir-fry, or steaming. While this fruit is highly nutritious, some people find its bitter taste unpalatable. However, with a simple trick, you can significantly reduce the bitterness and enjoy its health benefits.

Interestingly, the secret to reducing the bitterness lies in removing a specific part of the bitter melon. Many people assume that the bitter taste is evenly distributed throughout the fruit, but in reality, the highest concentration of bitterness is found in the white pith just beneath the skin. Therefore, to minimize the bitter taste, simply peel away and discard the white pith.

Here are the detailed steps to minimize the bitterness of bitter melon:

– Selection: Choose bitter melons that are straight, with prominent bumps on the surface and a deep green color. These tend to be softer and less bitter than those with a yellowish hue.

– Halve and remove the bitter part: Wash the bitter melon and cut it lengthwise to expose the soft, white pith inside, which holds most of the bitterness. Use a spoon to scrape out the pith, making sure to remove all the white membrane (similar to a gallbladder) to eliminate up to 70% of the bitterness.

– Ice water soak: Cut the prepared bitter melon into finger-width slices, sprinkle with a little salt, and scrub for 2 minutes to remove the green bitter liquid. Rinse twice with clean water, then soak the slices in ice water for 20 minutes. After removing from the ice water, the bitter melon will be crisp like a cucumber and have a significantly reduced bitter taste.

Once the bitter melon is prepared, you can eat it raw or use it in various delicious recipes.

Bitter Melon Salad Recipe for Hot Summer Days

Ingredients: 2 bitter melons, 4 garlic cloves, 2 chili peppers, 1 teaspoon white sesame seeds, 2 teaspoons light soy sauce, 1 teaspoon vinegar, ½ teaspoon sugar, a pinch of salt, and a few drops of sesame oil

Prepare the bitter melon using the steps mentioned above to eliminate the bitterness, then set it aside to drain.

Heat a pan and add the chopped garlic and chili peppers. Pour 2 teaspoons of hot oil into the mixture to release a fragrant aroma.

Add light soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, a pinch of salt, a handful of white sesame seeds, and a few drops of sesame oil. Mix well and remove from the heat.

Place the drained bitter melon in a large bowl, pour the prepared sauce over it, and mix well, preferably with gloves. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

This salad is refreshing, with a delightful combination of sour, sweet, and spicy flavors—perfect for summer. Moreover, with this preparation method, you will barely notice any bitterness from the bitter melon.

Note: Don’t discard the white pith of the bitter melon. Instead, use it to make a foot soak, which is excellent for your health and helps warm your body.