Wild Bittergourd [Momordica Charantia]

A visit to "Goya Park" in Okinawa way back in 2014. Everything you need to know about bittergourds.

"Goya" is the Japanese name for Bittergourd.

 

A polarising fruit/vegetable, which I detest aplenty, is known for its bitterness which is viewed as medicinally beneficial. It can be consumed as is, dried to brew into an infusion or generally stir-fried or even boiled into soups. It has become more mainstream in recent years as it makes inroads into bottled drinks, bubble teas and even ice cream in Asia.

 

Unlike the domesticated varietals that can exist in various shades of green and appear more elongated, wild bittergourd has a more lantern-like shape, with more pronounced protrusions on its skin and ripens to a bright yellowish fruit, which then bursts open and splits into segments that curl back to expose seeds covered in bright red pulp.

 

Sidenote: This place also served up a Bittergourd Soft Serve. Not my thang.

Done