Chinese Bitter Melon - Momordica charantia

Momordica charantia, the Chinese bitter gourd, is an ancient plant, native to South Asia. This climber is cultivated for its bitter fruit that is eaten cooked, without the skin or seeds, in traditional Reunionese and Asian cuisines. To reduce some of the bitterness, they are often blanched and then marinated. It has also been used for a long time in Asia as a traditional remedy for diabetes. Its fruits, 6 to 10cm (2 to 4in) long, resemble large pickles. Their skin is highly plicate. Sow from March to May. Harvest from July to October.

Harvest: harvest when the fruit has reached its final size. Cut the peduncle a few cm from the fruit to ensure better preservation.

Storage: like courgettes and cucumbers, the fruits can be stored for a few days in the refrigerator.

Gardener's tip: it is not very hardy (sensitive to cold), but it is highly resistant to diseases and has few pests. It is a good companion for all your vegetable plants. However, do not plant any cucurbits nearby to avoid cross-pollination.