Bitter melons are known by different names, which include bitter gourd, balsam pear, goya and caraille. But despite the multitude of names, this unique vegetable is known best for what its name directly suggests - bitterness. In fact, this vegetable is considered the most bitter among all edible vegetables in the world.
Momordica charantia are surprisingly a member of the same family that includes cantaloupes and watermelons. These strange-looking vegetables resemble the appearance of cucumbers, only with rough and pockmarked skin. Imagine cucumbers having a bad case of a skin disease. But more than their unusual look is their unusual taste. We all know that vegetables are naturally bitter, which is why most people are not fond of eating them. Bitter gourds, however, bring vegetables to a whole new level of bitterness. These vegetables are sharp on the tongue, mostly because of a compound known as momordicines that give the bitterest taste in food.
Bitter gourds are subtropical vegetables that are usually grown in hot and humid weather. There are basically two different kinds of bitter melons available in the market. The Chinese type is usually long with a light green and pebbled texture while the Indian variety is shorter, greener with spiky knobs. In the U.S., the Chinese variety is more commonly seen. When it comes to the differences in bitterness however, someone who is not used to its flavor will find the distinction between the two types inconsiderable. When choosing it, make sure to go for the firm and light green in color with few to no skin blemishes. The darker the color of the vegetable, the younger and bitterer will its flavor be.
Many claim that the healthiest foods for the body are not the tastiest. Bitter melons do give a bit of support to this idea, as their medicinal qualities seem so valuable. It is rich in iron and have more calcium than spinach, more potassium than bananas, more beta carotene than broccoli and enough Vitamin A, C, B1, B2, B3, Phosphorous and fiber. Indigenous tribes are known to use ampalaya typically for sores, wounds and skin infections such as psoriasis and eczema. Because of their bitterness, these unusual veggies can help stimulate digestion, making them a good treatment for constipation and dyspepsia.
It is also known as "Karela" in India and are used in the ancient healing practices of Ayurveda. They are also used in India to treat a variety of ailments including skin irritations, digestive problems and viral and bacterial infections. In the Philippines, the same vegetable is known as 'ampalaya' and is well used for diabetic treatments. A study conducted by the Philippine Department of Health concluded that eating ampalaya offers a hypoglycemic effect which lowers blood sugar. Chinese and Australian research also found that such vegetables do offer such improvements in glucose intake.
Although more and more people are turning to bitter melons to relive them from ailments, there are still some cases when such vegetables cause complications in some people. Side effects include diarrhea and stomach pain. Compounds in bitter melons may also aggravate hypoglycemia in patients taking diabetic medication. Pregnant women are also warned not to eat it as it may cause premature contractions and in some cases, bleeding. The fruit is also said to have powerful abortifacient properties that may cause infertility.
When preparing this vegatable, rinse to remove any signs of dirt and pat dry. Although the skin of the it is quite thick, they do not need to be peeled. Cut the vegetable lengthwise to reveal its center part. Slowly scoop out the seeds and scrape the inner white pith. Although the seeds are considered edible, they may cause diarrhea and nausea in some people. Such vegetables are widely used as a culinary ingredient around the world allowing several different recipes that can derive from it. Although recipes vary, bitter melons are usually sliced crosswise that make a 翹-inch thick piece. Place the vegetables in a bowl with fresh water, add salt and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Doing this will then remove some of the bitter taste. Some even suggest adding turmeric powder to the salt solution for a more effective removal of the bitter taste. Your bitter melons would then be ready for cooking once you drain the water.
A well-known Chinese recipe is stuffing bitter melons with pork, garlic and mashed black beans. The strong flavors of black beans then counteract the bitterness of the vegetable. Chinese style cooking recipes cook bitter melons with tomatoes and eggs. Some people however, like to have the vegetable as it is by eating them steamed. Regardless of the way it is cooked, the benefits of bitter melons are best retained with minimal cooking.
Aside from cooking bitter melons, bitter melon leaf tea can offer the same medical benefits as well. Bitter melon tea is not only made using bitter melon leaves, but also by use of the fibrous seeds and the fruit of the plant. Drinking such can help people with diabetes, help expel intestinal gas, promote menstruation and act as an antiviral for hepatitis, measles and other feverish conditions.
Taking bitter melon leaf in juice form is another option by simply inserting them into a juicing machine or liquefying the fruit using a blender. Most experts suggest starting the morning by drinking a small glass of bitter melon juice, especially to help control diabetes. Doing this with an empty stomach will help jump-start the curative properties of the fruit through the system, proving the fruit to be much more effective in lowering blood sugar levels. Your homemade bitter melon juice should be placed in a glass container in the refrigerator, and it would be good for consumption for about a week. For those taking bitter melon for medicinal purposes, many find that drinking them in capsule forms is much more convenient.
More people are looking into using a more natural and holistic approach for body ailments. Many claim that the bitterness of such vegetables is an acquired taste that can be quite as delicious and appetizing as most vegetable dishes. But given the intense medicinal benefits bitter melons offer, many would be surprised to see how such vegetables can be such a powerful alternative to artificial medicine.
No comments:
Post a Comment