Sydney's Original Exotic Fruit Wholesaler
Bitter melon, bitter gourd or bitter squash in English, has many other local names. It is a tropical and subtropical vegetable from a vine that is widely grown in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. The vegetable is extremely bitter. Its many varieties differ substantially in the shape and bitterness of the fruit.
Preparation:
Bitter melon is generally consumed cooked in the green or early yellowing stage. The young shoots and leaves of the bitter melon may also be eaten as greens.
Bitter melon is often used in Chinese cooking for its bitter flavor, typically in stir-fries, soups, and herbal teas. It is very popular throughout South Asia. In Vietnam, raw bitter melon slices consumed with dried meat floss and bitter melon soup with shrimp are popular dishes.
Growing Region:
Bitter Melon is grown in a tropical / subtropical environment. Therefore in Australia it is commonly grown in the Northern Territory, All over Queensland & in N.S.W.
Seasonality:
Because Australia has vast climate difference between the growing regions, bitter melon is available all year round.
Northern Territory - March to September
N.S.W / Queensland - October to February.
Bitter Melon and Egg Stir Fry in Black Bean Sauce
Ingredients:
1 bitter melon .
2 eggs, lightly beaten.
½ teaspoon salt.
2 tablespoon oil.
3 cloves garlic (Indonesian: bawang putih), minced.
1 tablespoon black bean garlic sauce.
Method:
Prepare the bitter melon by first cut the melon in half lengthwise. With a spoon, scoop out the seeds. The, cut into thin 1 cm slices.
To remove the bitterness, place the melon slices in a mixing bowl, and sprinkle with 2 to 3 tablespoon of salt, then massage the salt gently in to the melon. Let rest for 15 minutes, then wash and drain to remove the salt and bitterness.
In another bowl, lightly beat eggs and the ½ teaspoon of salt together. Set aside.
Heat oil in a frying pan on high heat, sauté garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the black bean sauce, mix well, and cook for another 1 minute.
Add the bitter melons into the pan, mix well, cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Then pour the eggs into the pan. Once the eggs start to become less runny, give it a quick stir. And once the eggs set, turn off heat and serve immediately.
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