Gourd – Bitter

Whatever you call it – bitter gourd, bitter melon, bitter squash, bitter apple, or bitter apple – one thing is certain: this vegetable is bitter. But, unsurprisingly, this also implies it’s good for you. The energy content of 100 grams of bitter gourd is around 19 calories. In 100 grams of bitter guard, there are about 3.5 grams of carbohydrates and 2.4 grams of fiber, but only 150 mg of lipids and 930 mg of proteins. It also contains a lot of water, at 87 grams. Vitamin A and C are abundant in bitter guard. The bitter gourd resembles a deformed cucumber or gourd, with ridges all over it and a green to yellow tint. There are firm small seeds within that are a white golden color and turn red when the veggie is overripe. There are two basic ways to prepare bitter guard in Sri Lanka, and you either love it or despise it. Some people choose to cut it into stripes or pieces and cook it with tomato, spices, tamarind for a tangy flavor, and a pinch of sugar to conceal the bitterness. Others thinly slice the veggie into roundish slices.