Chinese Bitter Melon

Names:

Chinese Bitter Melon

Foo Qua

Bitter Melon is originally from India and introduced to China in the 14th century and has spread throughout Asia primarily, Europe and the Americas. It is a tropical and subtropical vine grown in Asia, Africa and the Caribbean mainly for its edible product. Bitter Melon has a warty skin and an oblong shape; the texture is similar to that of cucumbers, chayote or bell peppers. Bitter melon is widely used in Asian cuisine, but also known for its traditional medical use in countries like China, India, Turkey for a variety of conditions and diseases.