Bitterness is the result of the alkaloid momordicine found in growing bitter melons; the darker the color of a Bitter Melon the more bitter and intense the flavor of the fruit. Harvest fruit, when they are small and skin is green in color, they are less bitter. Bitter Melon is a herbaceous vine.
Is Bitter melon poisonous?
In fact, the genus name for this plant comes from the Latin verb meaning “to bite.” But don’t eat the seeds. They are probably a bit poisonous. This species is now widely cultivated around the world, and is sometimes seen as a vegetable in specialty markets.
Is ripe bitter melon toxic?
Bitter melon isn’t poisonous. Bitter melon, a tropical fruit known by several names, including bitter gourd and wild cucumber, could be effective in controlling certain diseases. However, ripe bitter melon has toxic properties, according to clinical reports.