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

Local Name: Karli / Karele / कारली / कारले

Common Name: Bitter Melon

Botanical Name: Momordica charantia L.

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

Edible Parts: Fruits

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

Method of Consumption

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 & Medicinal Benefits

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

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.

Recipes

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