Is bitter melon the same as watermelon?

From the outside, the name “bitter melon” seems to have nothing to do with the fruit in question: It doesn’t look like a melon, though it does hail from Cucurbitaceae, the same vine-friendly family that brings us watermelon and cantaloupe.

What is the Indian name for bitter melon?

Indian Bitter Melon (Karela) and Potato Stir Fry.

Is Goya the same as bitter melon?

Goya, also known as “bitter melon” or “bitter gourd” in English, is the green, bumpy, cucumber-shaped vegetable you will find in abundance in the fresh produce section of any Japanese supermarket. As the English name suggests, it has a very distinct and often acquired taste that can be either loved or loathed.

Is bitter melon related to cucumber?

Bitter melon — also known as bitter gourd or Momordica charantia — is a tropical vine that belongs to the gourd family and is closely related to zucchini, squash, pumpkin, and cucumber. It’s cultivated around the world for its edible fruit, which is considered a staple in many types of Asian cuisine.

What is the taste of bitter melon?

Bitter melon has a crunchy husk, like a green pepper, and a watery texture, like a cucumber. But it’s weedy, alkaline taste is unlike any other like fruit or vegetable. Again, this mélange of spices perfectly complimented the melon, accentuating its unmistakable astringent flavor.

Is bitter gourd and bitter melon the same?

Bitter gourd is also a vegetable of many names. It is equally known as bitter melon, bitter cucumber, balsam-pear, bitter apple, or bitter squash. This vegetable is also called karela in India, nigauri in Japan, goya in Okinawa, ampalaya in the Philippines, and ku-gua throughout China.

What is the difference between Indian bitter melon and bitter melon?

Chinese and Indian gourds have the same hardiness, cultural requirements and bitter flavor (especially notable to those not familiar with the bitter melon taste). The only real difference is the appearance of the fruit. Bitter melon in India may be white or green. …

What is goya in Japanese?

Goya (ゴーヤ) is an Okinawan dialect for Nigauri (にがうり). It’s bitter melon or bitter gourd in English. As you can probably guess, bitter melon is famous for its bitterness, but it is remarkably nutritious. Chanpurū (チャンプルー) refers to Okinawan stir fry dishes, meaning “something mixed” in Okinawan.

What is goya in Okinawa?

However, goya is still more locally known and prized in Okinawa. Goya or bitter melon is a long, green vegetable characterized by its bumpy skin and distinct, bitter flavor. It resembles a bumpy cucumber and can be easily spotted in many Japanese supermakets due to its bright green color and distinctive look.

Can I substitute bitter melon for rice wine vinegar?

But if you have a good Chinese rice wine vinegar, by all means feel free to substitute it if you’d like. Bitter melon also pairs nicely with pork for a quick stir-fry, a main dish, or with black bean sauce. Try cooking bitter melon with dried shrimp for an umami-filled flavorful side dish.

What is a good substitute for MelOn in a recipe?

The zucchini has a mild flavor that is slightly bitter and sweet. Once cooked, it becomes tender and the sweetness shines through. It is an excellent replacement option for winter melon although its texture is mushier once cooked. Use zucchini in any recipe that calls for winter melon.

Can you eat the skin of a bitter melon?

The skin of the bitter melon is edible, so don’t worry about peeling it while prepping. This recipe calls for red wine vinegar or even balsamic vinegar for a bit more “bite.” But if you have a good Chinese rice wine vinegar, by all means feel free to substitute it if you’d like.

What does bitbitter melon taste like?

Bitter melon tastes bitter just as the name suggests. The texture can be either crunchy or soft, depending on how you prepare it. This recipe is a simple stir-fry that creates a flavor base with garlic, chili flake, soy sauce, red wine vinegar, and sesame oil sauce. A little sugar helps combat the bitterness.