Bitter Melon: A Healthy Treat – Learn How to Tame its Bitter Taste
Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd or mướp đắng in Vietnamese, offers a plethora of health benefits. However, its naturally bitter taste can be off-putting to many.
Identifying Different Varieties of Bitter Melon
There are several types of bitter melon, each with varying levels of bitterness.
The forest bitter melon, primarily grown in mountainous regions, has fruits the size of a thumb or big toe, with a short, slightly rounded shape, sharp spines, and a deep green color. This variety is extremely bitter and is typically used only for medicinal purposes.
The mountain pass bitter melon, native to Central Vietnam, is commonly grown in home gardens. It has a rough skin, thick spines, and a deep, dark color. This variety matches the forest bitter melon in terms of bitterness.
The common bitter melon, often found in markets and supermarkets, has larger fruits with well-developed ridges, a bright, pale green color, and the least bitterness among the three varieties. The bitterness reduces further as the ridges become more prominent.
Peel Off the White Pith
When preparing bitter melon, it is advisable to peel and remove the seeds and the white pith inside. This simple step significantly reduces the bitterness.
Soak in Brine
Cut the bitter melon lengthwise, remove the seeds, and slice it according to your chosen recipe. Soak the slices in a dilute brine solution for about 20 minutes. Afterward, rinse them with clean water before cooking.
Chill in the Fridge
Another method to reduce bitterness is to chill the sliced bitter melon in the refrigerator or soak it in ice water for about 20 minutes after removing the seeds and pith.
Blanch Before Cooking
To further reduce bitterness, blanch the bitter melon before cooking. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and blanch the bitter melon for 2-3 minutes. This process significantly lessens the bitter taste.
Additionally, combining bitter melon with ingredients like eggs, minced meat, shrimp, tofu, or fish can help balance its bitterness.
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Here are some of the health benefits associated with bitter melon: – Detoxifies the liver, beneficial for those who frequently consume fast food, processed food, or have a habit of staying up late and drinking alcohol… – Helps regulate blood pressure, boost immunity, and is suitable for individuals with hypertension, diabetes, or weight management concerns. – However, those with digestive issues, diarrhea, or low blood sugar levels should consume bitter melon in moderation. |
Source: Khoevadep
