What is Bitter Gourd .. .

 

Bitter gourd (karela/ pavakkai) has a bitter taste. So all avoid making this vegetable. But bitter gourd is rich in nutrients. To remove the bitterness and use this vegetable, you can follow these few methods.... Chop bitter gourd in the required shape (either chopped into bits or circles). Soak the pieces in salted water for about 1 or 2 hrs. Drain off the water and wash them in fresh water for a few times.
Bitter gourd can be parboiled before using to reduce the bitterness.
After cutting the karela as per requirement, apply salt + turmeric powder to lessen its bitterness. Keep it for some time, then squeeze it and wash in fresh water, again squeeze n repeat at least 2-3 times.
The scientific name of Bitter Gourd or Bitter Melon is ‘Momordica Charantia’. The bitter melon also known as bitter gourd looks like a cucumber but with ugly gourd like bumps all over it. It is a tropical vine and the fruits, leaves and extracts of this plant are used as medicine. It is also known as Balsam Pear. It is the most bitter of all vegetables.

The Indian names of this vegetable are Karela, Pavakkai and  Kakkarakai. Bitter gourd is very helpful in regulating the Blood Sugar Levels and as a Diabetic Cure. Though it has a bitter taste it is widely used in Cooking especially Indian. Bitter gourd is one of the healthiest vegetables in the world but as the name suggests, this vegetable has a strong bitter taste. However, people who are fond of eating tasty food, avoid consumption of this vegetable due to its bitterness. Bitter gourds are very low in calories. It is an excellent source of vitamin C. Bitter gourd is high in iron, contains double amount of the calcium than spinach
It is very beneficial to lower sugar levels in blood and urine. Bitter gourd has superb blood purifying properties. Bitter gourd is also helpful to treat many respiratory disorders.