Bitter melons (Momordica charantia) are also known as bitter gourd or karela, is a tropical and subtropical vine belonging to the gourd family. Native to Africa and Asia, particularly India and China, it has been cultivated for centuries for both its culinary and medicinal properties. The plant produces distinctive, warty, cucumber-shaped fruits that range in color from green to yellow as they ripen. Its taste is notably bitter, which gives the fruit its name.

Culinarily, bitter melon is widely used in Asian, African, and Caribbean cuisines. It is often stir-fried, stuffed, pickled, or incorporated into soups and stews. Despite its bitterness, it is valued for its unique flavor and is considered a delicacy in many cultures. Medicinally, bitter melon has a long history in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is known for its potential to regulate blood sugar levels, support digestion, and boost immunity, thanks to its rich content of vitamins, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds.

Bitter melon thrives in warm, humid climates and requires well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. It is typically grown from seed and trained on trellises to support its climbing vines. Harvesting occurs while the fruit is still green and firm, usually 90 - 140 days after planting.