What is Organic Bitter Melon?

Fresh, organic bitter melon (also known as karela or bitter gourd) is almost impossible to find, as it is extremely susceptible to disease and pests. Conventional bitter melon often tests with amounts of pesticide exceeding legal limits. These pesticides are very difficult to remove by washing due to the bumpy, grooved exterior of the karela gourd. This is why we are happy to offer you this organic dried version, which is free of pesticides and shelf-stable.

Our organic, dried bitter melon is dried using a dehydrator. It is not sun-dried, which would make it very dark in color. Extremely low heat is used during the entire process. The temperature is kept below 104°F at all times. This ensures that delicate nutrients of the karela are preserved.

At A Glance

Species: Momordica charantia

Other names: karela, bitter apple, bitter gourd, bitter squash, balsam-pear, pavakka, kaipakka, asosi, kakara, karola, sopropo, khổ qua.

Appearance: Fresh karela is light to dark green in color with a bumpy, warty exterior. While the Chinese version is more smooth and yellow-green, Indian bitter melon is more bumpy and darker green.

Typically used: Sliced or cored and stuffed

Origin: Southeast Asia; There are actually two types of bitter melon; The Chinese kind is long, light green, and more smooth with blunted ends. The smaller, darker green variety (which we are using for this product), is more firm with a more warty exterior, and it found in India, Cambodia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Flavor: Extremely bitter and dry

Culinary uses: Dried bitter melon is widely used in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine, where it is balanced with sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Add a few slices of the dried bitter gourd to broth, soups, stews, & curries to include bitters in your diet without overwhelming bitter taste.

Fresh, organic bitter melon is often cored and stuffed with spiced, minced meat. Also, blanching with salt water can help remove bitterness. At Asian markets, the fresh shoots and leaves are also sold for adding to stir fries or soups.

How to Rehydrate Dried Bitter Melon Slices

Serving size: 6-10 slices.

Boil the slices in ~3 cups (700mL) of water for 10 minutes. Save the water for tea, and sweeten to taste. Use rehydrated slices in omelets, frittatas, scrambled eggs, curries, salads, soups, salsas, stir-fries and sautés.

How to Use Our Karela

Our Organic Bitter Melon slices can be used just as you would fresh. It’s non-GMO, non-irradiated and is always 100% pure and of the best quality. Here are some ways to enjoy our dried bitter melon: 

• Rehydrate karela in hot water or broth for 10-15 minutes; drain and use the same way you would fresh -- for omelets, frittatas, scrambled eggs, curries, salads, soups, salsas, stir-fries and sautés.
• Add a tablespoon or two to soups and stews, simmering until done.
• Fry dried bitter melon in melted ghee or coconut oil until browned and crispy. Season with jaggery, salt, and/or chili or other spices.
• Many people enjoy this for a crunchy snack
• Add a few karela slices to a jar of pickling/cultured vegetables such as cucumbers, carrots, cabbage and onions
• Try a couple of minced, rehydrated slices in a bowl of steaming hot miso soup along with grated carrots, chopped scallions, cubed tofu and dried sea vegetables such as nori or wakame
• Mince a bit of rehydrated organic bitter melon; add to guacamole, onion, bean or other dip or hummus
• Make dried bitter melon tea as described above; mix with favorite juices such as pomegranate, cranberry, grape, apple and more. Serve cold for a refreshing summer beverage