Bitter Melon, Chinese (Momordica charantia)

Bitter Melon aka Bitter Gourd is an annual (perennial in tropical environment) squash vine native to parts of Asia, Africa, and other subtropical regions around the world. Cucumber sized fruit is bright orange when ripe.  The inner flesh is deep red-orange in color.  All parts of the Bitter Melon are edible, even the seeds when they are soft enough.  The fruit is commonly stuffed, curried, or pickled. 

Bitter Melon is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Folate.  It's a great source of antioxidants and is low in calories but high in fiber.

This is the Chinese variety of Bitter Melon, which is more elongated and cucumber-like in appearance than the Indian variety.