{"title":"Bitter Melon Seeds","description":"\u003cdiv data-content-type=\"html\" data-appearance=\"default\" data-element=\"main\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e(\u003ci\u003eMomordica charantia\u003c\/i\u003e) Bitter melon is a staple in much of Asia; local cuisines appreciate the mildly bitter taste in soups and curries. As a bonus, the pulp surrounding the seeds turns brilliant scarlet at full maturity, and its sweet taste is also utilized in its native lands. In some countries, bitter melon is recognized for its value in blood sugar regulation among diabetics. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"bitter-melon-siamese","title":"Bitter Melon Seeds, Siamese","description":"\u003cp\u003e(\u003cem\u003eMomordica charantia\u003c\/em\u003e). This tiny variety from Thailand (formerly Siam) has a potent bitter flavor and is an excellent choice for those seeking the medicinal benefits of this unique superfruit. Bitter melon has been revered in Eastern traditional medicine for centuries as a panacea for digestion and blood sugar issues. Considered a cooling food in Eastern medicine, bitter melon is consumed in hot weather to offset external temperature extremes. This semi-wild variety from Thailand is quite ornamental.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Tips:\u003c\/strong\u003e Siamese bitter melon produces slender, deeply ridged fruits with a classic bitter flavor cherished in Southeast Asian cuisine. Provide a tall trellis for support, and grow in fertile, well-drained soil. Ensure consistent moisture and adequate airflow to reduce disease pressure. Early, frequent harvesting encourages more fruit set and improves overall productivity.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59511063085342,"sku":"BM102","price":3.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/2280\/5022\/files\/bitter_melon_siamese.jpg?v=1782395333"},{"product_id":"bitter-melon-big-top","title":"Bitter Melon Seeds, Big Top","description":"\u003cp\u003e(\u003cem\u003eMomordica charantia\u003c\/em\u003e). A unique heart-shaped variety of bitter melon, easy to prepare and with a more mild flavor. The large, softball-sized fruit is an early producer. The long, rambling vines produce tons of smooth skinned, dark green, bumpy fruit. Thanks to a slightly thicker skin, this variety is considered an excellent shipper and is a perfect choice for gardeners wanting to grow bitter melon for the first time. Fruit range from 4 to 6 inches across. A favorite for stuffed bitter melon recipes! This wonderful Chinese heirloom is always a favorite in our gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Tips:\u003c\/strong\u003e Big Top bitter melon grows best in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil and a warm, humid climate. Provide sturdy vertical support early, as its vigorous vines require trellising to thrive. Regularly mulch and feed with compost tea or balanced organic fertilizer to boost productivity. Harvest fruits young, when they’re firm and green, to avoid over-ripening and bitterness.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59511105224990,"sku":"BM104","price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/2280\/5022\/files\/bitter_melon_big_top.jpg?v=1782395710"},{"product_id":"bitter-melon-abashi","title":"Bitter Melon Seeds, Abashi","description":"\u003cp\u003e(\u003cem\u003eMomordica charantia\u003c\/em\u003e). An Okinawan heirloom variety with deep green skin color and a very mild bitter taste. Fruit is 3 to 4 inches in diameter and 8 to 10 inches long. This variety can tolerate high temperatures and does well up to 100 F. Harvest around 100 days after sowing. A famous medicinal food of the Okinawan longevity diet, this vegetable is high in vitamin C and other important nutrients.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Tips:\u003c\/strong\u003e Abashi bitter melon thrives in warm climates with consistent heat and moisture. Provide sturdy trellising to support vines and promote airflow, which helps prevent fungal diseases. Mulching around the base conserves soil moisture and deters weeds. Regular feeding with balanced organic fertilizer improves fruit set. Harvest young, tender fruits for best flavor and texture.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59511696621854,"sku":"BM113","price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/2280\/5022\/files\/cld_693c3f387f7d0_BM113-Bitter_Melon_Seeds_-_Abashi_o3nfza.jpg?v=1782403082"},{"product_id":"bitter-melon-jyunpaku-okinawan-pure-white","title":"Bitter Melon Seeds, Jyunpaku Okinawan Pure White","description":"\u003cp\u003e(\u003cem\u003eMomordica charantia\u003c\/em\u003e). 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. While refined and less bitter, it is still quite nutritionally potent and health promoting. Okinawan bitter melon has been identified as one of the key staple foods contributing to the world-famous longevity of the Okinawans. The lightly bitter flesh has been shown to have medicinal value in regulating blood sugar! But it is not just bitter! When fruit is mature, a sweet, bright red sac forms around the seeds. The seed pulp of this variety is the sweetest and best-flavored of any bitter melon we have tried! The thick fruit averages 8 to 10 inches long. The fruit 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!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Tips:\u003c\/strong\u003e Jyunpaku Okinawan Pure White bitter melon produces creamy-white fruits with delicate bitterness and high visual appeal. For best results, grow in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil with consistent watering. Use a strong trellis to support vigorous climbing vines. Regular harvesting encourages continual fruiting, while pruning boosts airflow and helps reduce disease risk.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59511696785694,"sku":"BM117","price":6.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/2280\/5022\/files\/bitter_melon_jyunpaku_okinawan_pure_white_1.jpg?v=1782402972"},{"product_id":"bitter-melon-ganjyu","title":"Bitter Melon Seeds, Ganjyu","description":"\u003cp\u003e(\u003cem\u003eMomordica charantia\u003c\/em\u003e). An extra-large light green heirloom from Japan with great-flavored, uniform fruit. This bitter melon is a dietary staple on the island of Okinawa, famous for its people’s great health and record-breaking longevity thought to be largely due to their diet. Bitter melon, called Goya in Japan, has been identified as a crucial staple of the famous Okinawan longevity diet, which is also part of the Blue Zone diet. Goya champuru is a popular Okinawan stir fry bitter melon recipe, very popular among centenarians. We love the vitamin-rich, miraculous fruit!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Tips:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ganjyu bitter melon is a prolific climbing vine that flourishes in hot, humid conditions and benefits from consistent care. Use a tall trellis to support vigorous vine growth and promote straighter fruits. Mulching helps retain moisture and deter weeds. Harvest fruits early for best flavor, before they become too mature and overly bitter.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59511696949534,"sku":"BM116","price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/2280\/5022\/files\/bitter_melon_ganjyu.jpg?v=1782403006"},{"product_id":"bitter-melon-pearl-goya","title":"Bitter Melon Seeds, Pearl Goya","description":"\u003cp\u003e(\u003cem\u003eMomordica charantia\u003c\/em\u003e). These glistening, snow-white globes are a rare delicacy, even in their native region on the island of Okinawa, Japan. This dazzling edible ornamental variety produces loads of pearlescent round fruit, making a stunning backdrop for your garden design. The flavor is more mild than green bitter melon and even boasts umami flavor notes, making it a top choice for soups and a number of other simple yet delicious preparations.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing Tips:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pearl Goya bitter melon features smooth, pale green fruits with a tender texture and balanced bitterness. For best results, plant in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil and support with a tall trellis. This vigorous climber benefits from consistent moisture, mulching, and regular organic feeding. Early harvesting encourages continued fruiting and prevents excessive bitterness.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59511784571166,"sku":"BM122","price":6.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/2280\/5022\/files\/bitter_melon_pearl_goya_1.jpg?v=1783522059"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0999\/2280\/5022\/collections\/Bitter_Melon_Big_Top_LSS_DSC_8476_2.jpg?v=1783528056","url":"https:\/\/www.rareseeds.com\/collections\/bitter-melon-seeds.oembed","provider":"RareSeeds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}