Bitter Melon (Indian)

Vegetables

The Indian long ridged bitter melon is a cultivar of Momordica charantia distinct from the shorter, spikier variety. It has an elongated body with deep ridges running lengthwise and is harvested while immature to prevent overripening, which makes the fruit yellow-orange and more bitter. In South Asian cooking, it is frequently sliced and fried, cooked with onions and spices, or stuffed with masala fillings. This type is especially popular in South India and Sri Lanka, where it is valued for its strong bitter flavor balanced with chili and tamarind in curries. Beyond culinary uses, it plays a role in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda for digestion, liver function, and blood sugar management.