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Zeedman · September 2, 2019

Update... the bitter melon this year has been doing well. It is a Chinese variety I was given by a trader in San Francisco many years ago. Someone who translated the Chinese writing on the packet said that it was originally a hybrid; I have been saving seed, in an attempt to stabilize a very long, short DTM OP variety from it. The seed is now in its 5th generation, and appears to be stable.

Wish I could post a photo. The fruits are 8-10" long, with smooth warts, and the DTM is about 70 days. Production is very high, exceeded by only one other variety I've grown (Thailand). The flavor is mild, even raw. We are experimenting with pickling this year, which should (hopefully) reduce the bitterness even further.

Roper, the variety in your photo has pointed warts, which IME has generally been a trait associated with more intense bitterness. Is that the case?

September 2, 2019	#9
Zeedman Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 313	Update... the bitter melon this year has been doing well. It is a Chinese variety I was given by a trader in San Francisco many years ago. Someone who translated the Chinese writing on the packet said that it was originally a hybrid; I have been saving seed, in an attempt to stabilize a very long, short DTM OP variety from it. The seed is now in its 5th generation, and appears to be stable. Wish I could post a photo. The fruits are 8-10" long, with smooth warts, and the DTM is about 70 days. Production is very high, exceeded by only one other variety I've grown (Thailand). The flavor is mild, even raw. We are experimenting with pickling this year, which should (hopefully) reduce the bitterness even further. Roper, the variety in your photo has pointed warts, which IME has generally been a trait associated with more intense bitterness. Is that the case? Last edited by Zeedman; September 2, 2019 at 03:21 PM.