Karli / Karele / कारली / कारले / Bitter Melon / Momordica charantia L.

Other Names

Status & Habitat

Habitat: Climber
Occurrence: Rich, humusy, well-drained soils in full sun; support structures such as fences.
Season of Availability: Warmer parts of the year
Geography: Africa, Asia
Method of Propagation: Roots
Part used for Propagation: Roots

Edible Parts: Fruits
Can be Eaten Raw: Yes (although not typically eaten raw due to its bitterness)

Raw: Yes
Ripe: Yes
Both Raw & Ripe: Yes
Dangerous Form to Consume: N/A
As Food: Used in sabji and dal; fried; made into juice or tea.
As Medicine: Helps treat digestive problems and helps improve immunity.
Cooking Without Prior Boiling: N/A
Boiling Before Cooking: N/A
Pickling: Yes
Brining: N/A
Fermenting: N/A
Drying for later Consumption: N/A
Overall Method: Cooked or fried into sabji and dal; pressed into juice or tea.

Nutritional Benefit: Nutrient-dense including vitamin C, E and A.
Medicinal Benefit: Fruit, stems, leaves and roots are used to treat digestive problems and microbial infections; can stimulate immune system due to its antiviral properties.

Tribal Wisdom: Fruit, stems, leaves and roots are used to treat digestive problems and microbial infections; can stimulate immune system due to its antiviral properties.

Tribal Recipe / Usage: Salt added to finely chopped bitter gourd; fried with spices and served with grated coconut.