Vegetables
Bitter Melon
An elongated bitter melon with deep grooves and a strongly knobbled green surface.
- 繁體中文
- 苦瓜
- English
- Bitter Melon
- Bahasa Indonesia
- Pare (苦瓜)
- Tagalog
- Ampalaya (苦瓜)
What is it?
Bitter Melon is a food item commonly encountered in Hong Kong homes and markets.
How to identify it
Look for tapered ends, deep longitudinal channels and distinct raised bumps.
- 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.
Common confusion
Bitter melon is deeply ridged and knobbly; cucumber is much smoother.
Common Hong Kong household uses
Use in a recipe that specifically names this vegetable; this page identifies the market item only.
Preparation or handling
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
唔該要苦瓜，俾我睇清楚先。Does the image look correct?
Last reviewed
Sources
- Hong Kong Food and Environmental Hygiene Department — Public Market Items - Gourds
- Hong Kong Food and Environmental Hygiene Department — Gourds and other vegetables Cantonese pinyin
- Hong Kong Food and Environmental Hygiene Department — Public Market Items Multilingual Booklet
- Hong Kong Centre for Food Safety — Pesticide Residues in Food - Frequently Asked Questions
- Hong Kong Centre for Food Safety — Safe and Fresh: Practical Tips for Storing Vegetables