[tarpalsfan]

Originally Posted by KC.Sun

I'm growing bitter melon this year. I wanted to get something orangey ripe instead of green.

I've never grown the snake gourds or luffas. They are really good though.

Wintermelons are really good too.

I'm only growing Japanese squashes (kabocha type) and bitter melon this year for the squash category.

I grew bittermelon in the past. Seed from both Evergreen and Baker Creek sometimes I got plants, most of the time I didn't. Last year I tried Baker Creek Green Skin Bittermelon again-I had 100% germination! I ate some raw(thin sliced) I also par-boiled it in salted water, then cooked it with onions, garlic, and tomatoes. I also nibbled the leaves and tendrils a little too. To me, it is more bitter cooked than raw. I did not let my bittermelon turn completely yellow before picking it though, except to sample the red pulp on the seeds!
I hope you have great success with you bittermelon this season!
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Yes, the luffa are wonderful when young and tender. I love them.
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The edible snake gourd is great too. Better even than Tambuli. I couldn't find fresh seed for it last season. I was buying the it from Ferry Morse. I found an old pack.
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Again have fun growing you bitter-melon this year!