KOMPAS.com – Bitter melon is a vegetable with a distinctive bitter taste which is often a challenge for some people.
Although there are those who like this unique taste, there are also many who don’t enjoy it and choose to avoid bitter melon.
However, there are actually certain ways that can be done to reduce the bitter taste of bitter melon without losing its nutritional value.
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The following are some tips that you can try to process bitter melon to make it more delicious:
1. Choose the right type of bitter melon
Not all bitter melons have the same level of bitterness. There are three types of bitter melon that are generally sold on the market:
- White bitter melon: Has a long shape with a milder taste.
- Green bitter melon: Tends to be more bitter with thin fruit flesh.
- Snake bitter melon: This type has the mildest taste and soft texture, making it easier to prepare.
If you want to reduce the bitter taste, choosing snake bitter melon could be the best choice.
2. Remove the middle part of the bitter melon
The middle part of bitter melon, which consists of the seeds and white layer, is one of the main sources of the bitter taste.
Split the bitter melon into two parts. Use a spoon to scrape the inside until clean.
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Make sure the white layer that is attached is also removed. After that, cut the bitter melon according to the size you want.
3. Soak with salt solution
Soaking bitter melon in a salt solution is an effective way to reduce its bitter taste. Here are the steps:
The dangers of consuming excessive salt for people with high blood pressure.- Cut the cleaned bitter melon from the middle.
- Soak the bitter melon pieces in salt solution for 15 minutes.
- After soaking, wash the bitter gourd thoroughly with water to remove any remaining salt.
This step not only reduces the bitterness, but also keeps the bitter melon texture crunchy.
4. Don’t boil bitter melon for too long
Many people think that boiling bitter melon for a long time can remove its bitter taste.
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However, this method can actually reduce the nutritional value of bitter melon. Boil the bitter melon just enough so that the texture is maintained and the nutritional content is not lost.
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