The seeds of bitter melon present an interesting sight, with their grooved and sculptured surface reminiscent of petrified wood or fossils. The variety we’re growing here is of Indian origin, characterized by a distinct watery exterior and more pronounced ridges compared to the Chinese variant.
Seed Starting and Transplanting
To initiate the process, plant the seeds in a seed-raising mix, ensuring to water them and keep them indoors until they sprout. After approximately three weeks, transplant the seedlings into the ground, providing appropriate support as they are climbing vines. Select a sunny location, prepare the soil by removing weeds and grass, loosening the soil, and enriching it with manure. Before transplanting, water the seedlings, and ensure they have support to reach trellises. For moisture retention, incorporate mulch, especially as summer approaches. Shading the plants can aid their adjustment to outdoor climatic conditions. After another three weeks, consider introducing seaweed fertilizer to bolster their growth.
Growth and Flowering
Factors such as strong winds, insufficient warmth, and humidity might impede the plant’s growth. Around 2.5 months into the growth cycle, flowers begin to emerge. Distinguishing between male and female flowers is straightforward: female flowers exhibit a noticeable ovary at the base, resembling a miniature melon, while male flowers appear on long, thin stalks devoid of an ovary. The fruit formation commences approximately three months after the flowers appear.
Harvesting and Culinary Preparation
Bitter melons reach harvest readiness at around four months of growth. Preparing bitter melon for culinary use involves cutting them in half, removing the spongy interior, and thinly slicing them, creating crescent-like shapes. To mitigate the bitterness, salt can be added. Bitter melon proves to be a highly nutritious fruit, boasting substantial amounts of vitamin C and A, along with fiber, folate, potassium, and magnesium, among other valuable nutrients.
Further Insights on Bitter Melon
As bitter melons become overripe, they transition to an orange hue and split open at the base. Some sources indicate that the red arils of the seeds might be toxic to children. Beyond their taste, these red arils are an abundant source of lycopene—a potent antioxidant—lending them their characteristic red color. They also contain noteworthy levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, pivotal for heart health and inflammation regulation. Furthermore, these acids facilitate the absorption of the numerous antioxidants present in bitter melon, safeguarding cells from damage and supporting overall health.
