Bitter Gourd Seeds (Momordica charantia) Vegetable Seeds Organic fresh 10 seeds

Bitter Gourd Seeds (Momordica charantia) 

100% Fresh Seeds NON GMO Organic

Momordica charantia, commonly known as bitter gourd, bitter melon, or karela, is a tropical and subtropical vine of the family Cucurbitaceae, widely grown in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean for its edible fruit. Here are some key aspects of this plant:

Description:

Appearance: The bitter gourd plant is a climbing vine with tendrils that allow it to cling to trellises or other supports.
The leaves are deeply lobed and bright green.
The fruit is oblong, with a distinct warty or ribbed surface. It changes color from green to yellow-orange as it ripens.

Flowers: The plant produces yellow flowers that are either male or female, and both types are necessary for fruit production.

Fruit: The immature fruit is green and extremely bitter, with a crunchy texture. It is typically harvested when green and firm.
When ripe, the fruit turns yellow-orange, and the internal seeds become red.

Cultivation:

Climate: Bitter gourd thrives in warm, humid climates and is often grown in tropical and subtropical regions.
It requires plenty of sunlight and a well-drained, fertile soil.
Propagation:
It is commonly propagated from seeds, which are typically sown directly into the soil.

Uses:

Culinary: The fruit is widely used in Asian cuisines, often cooked to reduce its bitterness. Common preparations include stir-frying, boiling, steaming, and stuffing.
It is also used in various traditional dishes and herbal teas.

Medicinal: Bitter gourd is known for its potential health benefits and is used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes, digestive problems, and as a general tonic.
The plant contains compounds like charantin and momordicin, which are believed to have hypoglycemic (blood sugar-lowering) properties.

Nutritional Profile:

Vitamins and Minerals: Bitter gourd is rich in vitamins A, C, and several B vitamins, as well as minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium.
It is also a good source of dietary fiber.

Cautions:

Bitterness: The bitterness of the fruit can be quite intense and may not be palatable to everyone.
Some people may experience gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed in large quantities.

Cultural Significance:

Traditional Medicine: Bitter gourd has a long history of use in Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, and other traditional medicinal systems.

Symbolism: In some cultures, the plant is also associated with various symbolic meanings, including health and prosperity.