Bitter Melon, Jyunpaku Okinawan Pure White

A Customer Favorite!  A natural marvel, the purest white bitter melon variety we know! It reminds us of the elegant white pearls found off the coast of Okinawa. The most stunning edible ornamental, this extra-large and mild Japanese bitter melon bears pearly white, mellow-flavored fruit. Its refined, less bitter flavor is still quite nutritionally potent and health promoting. Okinawan bitter melon has been identified as one of the key dietary staples contributing to the world-famous longevity of the people of this beautiful Japanese island. The lightly bitter flesh has been shown to have medicinal value in regulating blood sugar and preventing diabetes! Interestingly, the bitter melon does develop a sweetness as it ripens. When fruit is mature, a sweet, bright red sac forms around the seeds. The seed pulp of this variety tastes of sweet cherry candy and is the best of any bitter melon we have tried! The thick fruit averages 8-10 inches long. It is typically cut thick and added to soups or shaved thin and eaten raw; we have found the flavor to be by far the most superior of all bitter melon. This may be the truest Okinawan treasure, a beautiful secret to longevity and good health!

• Full Sun
• Sprouts in 7-21 Days
• Seed Depth: 1"
• Ideal Temperature: 75-90 Degrees F
• Plant Spacing: 24"
• Frost Hardy: No
• Momordica charantia

Growing Tips: Revels in heat and humidity. Grow up a trellis or fence. Soaking seeds overnight and nicking or splitting the tough outer seed coat may improve germination.