Karela (bitter gourd)

🌿 Karela (Bitter Gourd) Description

Botanical Name: Momordica charantia
Common Names: Karela (Hindi), Bitter Gourd, Bitter Melon, Pavakka (Malayalam), Pavakkai (Tamil), Kakara (Telugu)

Family: Cucurbitaceae (Cucumber family)

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🥒 Physical Description

Karela is a green, elongated, warty vegetable with a distinct bitter taste.

• Shape: Oblong and ridged with a rough surface.

• Size: Usually 10–20 cm long, depending on the variety.

• Color: Ranges from light green to dark green; some varieties turn yellow-orange when ripe.

• Seeds: White when unripe, turning red as the fruit matures.

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🌱 Plant Description

Karela grows on a climbing vine with thin stems and tendrils that help it attach to supports.

• Leaves: Deeply lobed and bright green.

• Flowers: Small, yellow, and unisexual (male and female flowers grow separately).

• Fruit: Develops from the female flower after pollination.

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💪 Nutritional & Medicinal Value

Karela is highly valued in traditional medicine and nutrition.

• Rich in: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Iron, Magnesium, and Dietary Fiber.

• Medicinal Uses:

  • Helps regulate blood sugar levels (useful for diabetics)

  • Supports liver health and digestion

  • Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

  • Aids in weight management

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🍛 Culinary Uses

• Commonly cooked as stuffed karela, fried chips, karela curry, or juice.

• Despite its bitterness, it’s enjoyed for its unique flavor and health benefits