Commonly known as bitter gourd or karela it is grown through out the year and is best recommended for diabetes it is extremely rich in 5.6 gram protein, 290 milligram calcium, 5 milligram iron, 5.1 milli gram vitamin A, 170 milli gram vitamin C per 100 gram serving this is its Nutritional Value
bitter gourd is a fast tropical growing seasonal climber and is native to South Asia. It is considered one of the most nutritious vegetable, the plant has its medicinal properties. It has a compound known as charantin present in the it and is used in the treatment of diabetic patients to lower blood sugar levels and it also purifies blood . The plant is enriched with Vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, phosphorus and carbohydrates. There are several varieties of bitter gourd available,some fruits are fruits three to four inches sometimes it is longer in length.
The climber grows tall and has tendrils to support climbing it develops small, yellow flowers both male and female in charecter on the same plant ,The fruits are green oblong, and has an irregular surface with warts and vertical ridges. When ripe, the fruits turn yellowish orange in colour and is its seeds are used to plant more climbers
Bitter gourd survive in hot and humid climates. and is grown through direct seeding and transplanting. The best type of soil is a fertile, well drained soil, enriched with organic matter, such as compost from your kitchen vegetable waste or dried manure from the market . though it tolerates any soil that provide a good drainage system. The soil must be well prepared by adding organic matter before planting the seeds .soak the seeds in water for a day before sowing.Regular watering in plenty is essential for its growth.
Flowers will appear in 1&1/2 month and fruits will occur between two to four months. Mature fruits are picked within three months time .They are light green and juicy with white flesh but bitter in tasre.Regular picking is important as fruits will become more bitter as they mature and it can also hamper the growth of new fruits to prospher. We must Leave some fruits to reach complete maturity and reserved for forth coming crops. Bitter gourd is susceptible to many diseases and insect pests so keep it protected by spraying pestacides.
how it helps to keep a check on diabetes :--
the peels are squeezed and juice is extracted to be given to the diabetic patien every morning .the whole fruit is made in to dry vegetale fry and eaten it helps to purify blood too . people who gets boils can also reap its benefit to cure one self .