Bitter Melon: Jade Dragon

Hybrid bitter melon that has been adapted for the northern climate. Fedco says: “Bright pastel-green bumps and fluting cover the curvaceous lines of this well-named 8–14" beauty, looking every bit the jade dragon. Botanically, it is neither a melon nor a gourd. Don’t be put off by the English name ‘bitter melon’—instead, think balsam pear of Asia or karela of India, where it is a well-regarded tropical vegetable with rich flavor and pleasing bitterness. Long prized for its medicinal qualities, both the leaves and fruits are used as antivirals and to reduce blood-sugar levels. The leaves can be made into tea or cooked as greens. To prepare fruit for cooking, first scoop out the pulpy core.”