{"id":4034,"date":"2024-01-17T19:48:55","date_gmt":"2024-01-17T18:48:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/paradiznik.si\/izdelek\/momordika-gorka-dinija\/"},"modified":"2026-03-26T16:21:50","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T15:21:50","slug":"momordika-gorka-dinija","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/paradiznik.si\/en\/product\/momordika-gorka-dinija\/","title":{"rendered":"Momordica \u2013 Bitter Melon"},"content":{"rendered":"

Momordica<\/strong> (Momordica charantia<\/em>), also known as bitter melon<\/strong> or karela<\/strong>, is exotic climber<\/strong>, which originates from tropical regions of Asia<\/strong>. It is a valued vegetable, often used in Asian, African and Caribbean cuisine<\/strong>, where it is considered a real specialty. The plant forms characteristic warty fruits of elongated shape<\/strong>, which upon ripening they turn yellow and open up<\/strong>, revealing red seeds<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Fruits we pick green and unripe<\/strong>, when they are the most aromatic and pleasantly bitter<\/strong>. They are used for cooking, stewing, stuffing, wok and curry dishes<\/strong>. The ripe fruits are edible, but have stronger, distinctly bitter taste<\/strong>. In addition to its culinary value, it is also known for its medicinal properties<\/strong>, as it contains antioxidants and substances that help regulate blood sugar<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Meat contains natural bitters and alkaloids<\/strong>, such as momordicin, charantin and vicin<\/strong>, which have a beneficial effect on sugar metabolism and liver function<\/strong>. Because of these active ingredients, consumption is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers<\/strong> and people with low blood sugar<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In Asia, from dried momordica leaves<\/strong> traditionally prepared bitter-aromatic tea<\/strong>, which is drunk after a meal as support for digestion and metabolism<\/strong>. It is recommended moderate consumption<\/strong>, as overdoing it can cause nausea or low blood sugar<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Bitter melon is thermophilic, fast-growing climber<\/strong>, similar to cucumbers. It needs support<\/strong>, sunny position<\/strong> and fertile, well-drained soil<\/strong>. We sow it in pots or warm go in spring<\/strong>, and transplanted outdoors after the last frost<\/strong>. Regular watering encourages fruit formation.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"