Bitter Gourd (Indian Bittermelon)

Bitter Gourd (Indian Bittermelon) fruits have a waxy skin and an oblong shape whilst the flesh is crunchy and similar in texture to a cucumber or capsicum. The young shoots and leaves can also be used as greens but it is mostly grown for the bitter fruits, usually picked when green. It can be used in stir fries, soups, as a tea, or in curries. The bitter melon is also considered to have medicinal properties and is widely used in Asian and African remedies to treat gastrointenstinal pains, painful menstruation, fevers and malaria. Best grown in warm, subtopical and tropical climates, sow when no danger of frost and the the soil temperature is above 70 degrees F. (22 degrees C). Soak seeds overnight before planting out, Sow 20mm deep, space 90cm apart. Harvest in about 70 days.