Bitter melons are a flavorful gourd with a flavor is true to its name: these vegetables are pleasantly bitter with a refreshing green taste. In traditional Chinese medicine, bitter melon is considered a highly nutritious and medicinal ingredient used to fight diabetes. Bitter melon can become an acquired taste or craving much like black coffee or dark chocolate.
Uses: Bitter melon is best paired with strongly flavored foods such as fermented black bean, smoked meats, and soy sauce. Adding sugar while cooking can also temper the bitterness.