Melón Amargo (Bitter Gourd)

A climbing annual cucurbit to 5 m long. Yellow flowers and ribbed cylindrical fruits that appear about two months after sowing. It does not tolerate low temperatures and requires well-drained soils rich in organic matter. In the initial stage, the fruits are green, later they change color to yellow and orange, and are divided into three segments. Fruit for consumption should be harvested when young, green with a dense, juicy, light green flesh. Eaten raw, they have a bitter taste; soak in water a few hours before consuming. Young shoots and leaves after cooking are a tasty and spicy vegetable. The fruits are used in folk medicine as a remedy for diabetes, as they contain a compound similar to insulin. A demanding plant in terms of temperature and well-drained soils rich in nutrients. It is recommended to submerge the seeds 24 hours in water before sowing.