Vegetables

Bitter Melon

An elongated bitter melon with deep grooves and a strongly knobbled green surface.

3 identity clues

An elongated bitter melon with deep grooves and a strongly knobbled green surface.
Look for tapered ends, deep longitudinal channels and distinct raised bumps.
Bitter melon is deeply ridged and knobbly; cucumber is much smoother.

Reading language:

Names in other languages

繁體中文: 苦瓜
English: Bitter Melon
Bahasa Indonesia: Pare (苦瓜)
Tagalog: Ampalaya (苦瓜)

Name in Cantonese (Jyutping): fu2 gwaa1

What is it?

Bitter melon is an elongated, bitter-tasting gourd with deep lengthwise grooves and pronounced bumps, unlike smoother cucumber.

How to identify it

Look for tapered ends, deep longitudinal channels and distinct raised bumps.

Common Hong Kong household uses

Use in a recipe that specifically names this vegetable; this page identifies the market item only.

Choosing & preparing

Wash thoroughly under clean running water before cooking; do not use soap, special detergent or produce wash.

Storage

Wash only immediately before cooking or eating; if pre-washing is necessary, dry thoroughly and follow the label or supplier storage directions.

Helper tip

Use the Hong Kong name and check the physical features or original label when buying. Look for tapered ends, deep longitudinal channels and distinct raised bumps.

What Ma’am or Sir may say

唔該要苦瓜，俾我睇清楚先。

The employer wants Bitter Melon and asks for it to be checked before purchase.

Useful market phrase