Where can you buy fresh bitter melon?

Purchase fresh bitter melon in Thai and Asian grocery stores. It is usually available at farm stands where there is a large Asian population, and appears in many Asian dishes, predominantly soups and stir-fries.

When choosing bitter melon, look for unblemished and firm melons. The more green the color, the more bitter its taste. Wash and seed the melon before eating. It should last in the refrigerator for three to five days.

Bitter melon is a member of the gourd family. Many people believe bitter melon has medicinal properties, including aiding digestion. As of 2015, scientists are conducting research on the use of bitter melon in treating diabetes, cancer, high cholesterol and Alzheimer’s disease.