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Bitter Melon Seeds

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Useful gardening infomation

A mainstay of local oriental produce markets, especially during the warm summer months, bitter melon is a common vegetable consumed by millions around the world -- not only in the Far East, but also in many Central and South American and Caribbean countries. In the western hemisphere, it seems to be better known as an annual ornamental vine than as a food, with lovely, deeply cut leaves and bearing pretty fruits called balsam pears that ripen to a dramatic orangy red.

Its bitterness comes from the high concentration of quinine it contains, which incidentally, is the reason why it is regarded by Asians, as well as Panamanians and Colombians, as a valuable drug for preventing and treating malaria.

The vast majority of Americans who have tried bitter melon probably found the experience quite unpleasant, not something they would ever want to repeat. But really, bitter melon is a delicious vegetable -- when cooked right and when latent taste buds on the tongue are given the chance to become acquainted with the most misunderstood and maligned of the five primary flavors. Moreover, it is immensely nutritious.

Rich in iron, bitter melon has twice the beta carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, twice the potassium of bananas, and contains vitamins C and B 1 to 3, phosphorus and good dietary fiber. It is believed to be good for the liver and has been proven by western scientists to contain insulin, act as an anti-tumor agent, and inhibit HIV-1 infection.

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Sowing Instructions

Direct seed melons in hills 4 ft. apart each way after soil temperature has reached at least 65 degrees. Plant 8-10 seeds per hill, later thin to 4 plants per hill. Cover with 3/4-1" of soil.

Informative articles found on the web:

What is Bitter Melon?
National Bitter Melon Council
Medicinal Properties of Bitter Melon
Bitter Melon Recipes

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Bitter Melon Seeds

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1A119 Common Foo Gwa
(Momordica charantia) Tasty mild bitter fruit gives delicious flavor to stir-fries and Oriental dishes. 5”-8" white-green colored bumpy fruit turn a beautiful deep orange. When overripe they pop open. The seeds are covered in a good amount of bright red jell, that tastes like cherry candy. Ornamental vines give good yields. They thrive in hot weather and are not bothered by insects or wilt. Aka Balsam pear, it has been used medicinally for hundreds of years. Can be hard to germinate.

  5 seeds $1.95

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