Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter melon, is a tropical and subtropical vine of the family Cucurbitaceae, widely grown in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean for its edible fruit. It is an annual herbaceous plant that can grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) in height . The fruit has a distinct warty exterior and an oblong shape. It is hollow in cross-section, with a relatively thin layer of flesh surrounding a central seed cavity filled with large, flat seeds and pith. The fruit is most often eaten green or as it is beginning to turn yellow. At this stage, the fruit’s flesh is crunchy and watery in texture, similar to cucumber, chayote, or green bell pepper, but bitter.
Here are some step-by-step instructions to care for Momordica charantia: