Bitter gourd bitterness: Bitter gourd is a very healthy vegetable. But people do not like the bitter properties of bitter gourd much. In this article, we are telling you about all the ways to remove the bitter properties of bitter gourd.
Bitter gourd bitterness: It is known for its Ayurvedic properties, but due to its bitter taste, most people shy away from eating it. It contains iron, fiber, and antioxidants, which are very beneficial for digestive problems. Still, it is not liked by children and youth.
However, by taking a little caution and some easy tricks, we can remove the bitterness of bitter gourd. After which, its taste remains intact.
6 Ways to Remove the Bitterness of Bitter Gourd
Let’s know. 6 effective ways to remove the bitterness of bitter gourd.
1. Apply salt and keep it
Cut the bitter gourd into thin pieces, apply salt to it, and keep it. And keep it for 15 to 20 minutes. So that the salt on it takes out its bitterness. And later wash the bitter gourd by squeezing it lightly. This is the most effective way to reduce the bitterness of bitter gourd. It tastes good, and the bitter gourd ripens quickly.
2. Soaking in curd
Along with salt, curd also removes the bitterness of bitter gourd. And it proves to be very helpful. Soak the cut bitter gourd in curd for some time. Curd contains a good enzyme (lactic acid). Which keeps it soft. And removes the bitterness of bitter gourd to a great extent. This method maintains the taste and health.
3. Boiling in water
Add lightly salted water to the bitter gourd and boil it for 5-7 minutes. And then throw away its water. Boiling softens the bitter gourd a little. And its bitterness goes away. After this, you can fry it, stuff it, or use it in curry.
Also read this: Chia Seeds for Weight Loss: How You Can Lose Weight Naturally With Soaked Chia Water.
4. Using Onions and Spices
One tasty way to mask the bitterness of bitter gourd is to sauté it with onions, garlic, and spices. Onions especially help balance out the bitterness and enhance the flavor. When cooked with spices, bitter gourd becomes so flavorful that even children start liking it.
5. Soaking in Vinegar
Soaking chopped bitter gourd in vinegar for 10–15 minutes can significantly reduce its bitterness. The natural acidity of vinegar helps extract the bitter juices from the gourd. After this, the bitter gourd can be cooked as usual.
6. Add jaggery or sugar before cooking the vegetables
When the bitter gourd vegetable is about to be cooked, add some jaggery or sugar to it. This balances the bitterness and adds sweetness to the taste.
FAQ’s
Q1. Is it good to remove bitterness from bitter gourd?
Yes, reducing bitterness from bitter gourd is a common practice, especially for those who are not used to its pungent taste. Although bitterness has health benefits, balancing it makes the dish more enjoyable, especially for children and first-time cooks.
Q2. How to reduce bitterness from bitter gourd while cooking?
You can reduce the bitterness by roasting bitter gourd with onions, garlic, and spices. The natural sweetness of onions helps balance the flavor, and the spices enhance the taste. This method makes bitter gourd more delicious and more appealing to everyone.
Q3. How to remove the bitter taste from curry?
If your curry has become too bitter, add some jaggery or lemon juice to balance the taste. You can also add more onions or tomatoes and cook the curry for a longer time to reduce the bitterness.
Q4. Is it beneficial to soak bitter gourd in salt water overnight?
Yes, soaking chopped bitter gourd in salt water overnight or for a few hours is an effective way to reduce the bitterness. Salt draws out the bitter juice, making the bitter gourd taste milder before cooking.
