Asian Long Bitter Melon – Pinyin, Pare, Paakharkaai, Karela – 6 Seeds

Asian Long Bitter Melon / Bitter Gourd (Pinyin, Pare, Paakharkaai, Kaakarakaya, Karela) – 6 Seeds

They are one of the most high yield & less bitter melon variety from Asia. One single bitter melon can grow up to 35cm in length and 600 grams in weight and comes with the same nutritional value. They are fairly easy to grow and needs support for the vines. With proper care this plant will produce heaps of large sized bitter melon for months.

Bitter melon is often used in Chinese cooking for its bitter flavour, typically in stir-fries (often with pork and douchi), soups, and also as tea. It has also been used in place of hops as the bittering ingredient in some Chinese beers. It is very popular throughout South Asia. In Northern India, it is often prepared with potatoes and served with yogurt on the side to offset the bitterness, or used in sabji. In North Indian cuisine it is stuffed with spices and then cooked in oil.*.

International Buyers:
If the postage is lost in transit and you do not receive them or your country’s custom confiscate the seeds, I won’t be responsible for it. You will not be refunded nor resend the seeds again. Please do not buy the seeds if you are not agreed to this terms. If you want me send through registered post, please contact me before you pay for the item.

Sowing Instructions:
Seeds need min 20°C to germinate. Soak the seeds in water for a few hours before planting and sow them between 15mm deep in a sunny, well-drained position. Germinates between 2-4 weeks. Grow indoor in extreme weather condition and then transfer when mature enough to survive. Give the vines enough support for their vigorous growth.

Due to quarantine restrictions, seeds can’t be sent to Tasmania.

Bitter gourds are very low in calories but dense with precious nutrients. It is an excellent source of vitamins B1, B2, and B3, C, magnesium, folic acid, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, and has high dietary fiber. It is rich in iron, contains twice the beta-carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, and twice the potassium of a banana.

Bitter melon contains a unique phyto-constituent that has been confirmed to have a hypoglycemic effect called charantin. There is also another insulin-like compound known as polypeptide P which have been suggested as insulin replacement in some diabetic patients.

* Nutrient Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bitter_melon
http://www.juicing-for-health.com
http://www.juicing-for-health.com/bitter-gourd-benefits.html