Bitter Gourd is one of my favourite veggie. I love it when braised with chicken or meat. Sometimes I use it for omelette, and it is delicious when stuffed with fish paste and deep-fried. There are lots of other ways of using Bitter Gourd, like in soups, stir-fries and it can also be juiced, for it's health benefits. You may read all about the benefits of bitter gourd, there are tons of information from the internet.
Several months ago, when I bought a Bitter Gourd from the market, I simply sowed some seeds into a container at my back yard, and in a matter of days, the seeds have sprouted into small seedlings. From there, it took about almost 2 months for the plant to flower. I pollinated the female flowers myself, since there are no bees around, and just a small number of ants.
After harvesting a few of these melons,the plant is now showing signs of "I'm done!" Got to start over, but have not make up my mind whether to grow bitter gourd again or some other vine veggies that are just waiting in queue. Times like this, I wish for a big gardening area!
Happy Gardening!
