Momordica is a beautiful and healing vine. Medicinal properties and contraindications of momordica, or Chinese bitter melon

Momordica - annual climbing herbaceous plant gourd family (Cucurditaceae). Momordica is widespread in many parts of Southeast Asia - India, Indochina, Indonesia, South China, Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, and New Guinea. In the wild, I found momordica in Florida (USA).

Momordica is cultivated in the room, on the balcony, in the garden as a healing and beautiful. This medicinal plant with edible elegant fruits serves decorative ornament south windows, walls and decorative grilles.

Flowering and fruiting of momordica

fragrant yellow flowers momordicas are unisexual, have a five-pronged corolla. The smell of its male flowers is similar to fragrance, but less intense.

The fruit of momordica is a round-oval elongated berry of a very unusual shape, has an exotic look. Outside, it is covered with papillary protrusions.
The color of fruits in momordica is bright orange, yellow or white.

The taste of the fruit of momordica is close to ripened. True, the papillary surface of the berry is slightly bitter, and because of this, the overall taste acquires a bitter tint. Therefore, momordica is called "bitter gourd". But this quality does not interfere with the preparation of delicious dishes from its fruits!

Inside the momordica fruit, around each seed is a juicy dark ruby ​​pericarp. Its taste is very pleasant, reminiscent of ripe.

Propagation of momordica seeds

It is easy to grow a momordica. Her agricultural technology is in many ways similar to techniques for pumpkins and zucchini. However, there are some subtleties of sowing and growing momordica, dictated by the characteristics of this crop.

Momordica seeds are relatively large (11-15 mm long, 8-9 mm wide). In shape, they are flat, rounded, with uneven lobed edges and a tuberculate surface. On both flat sides of the seed is a peculiar pattern. Moreover, each seed of momordica has its own unique pattern, reminiscent of the Indian national ornament...

For successful germination of momordica seeds, you first need to conduct them. To do this, rub the sharp tip of the seed sandpaper to help the shell swell and open more freely.
Then I soak the seeds of momordica in a dark solution of potassium permanganate for several hours. This not only disinfects the seeds, but helps them to germinate and nourishes - provides an additional portion of the growth substance.
Then you should put the seeds prepared in this way in wet sawdust (or in wet toilet paper) and place in a warm place with a temperature of up to 25 degrees.
With this treatment and maintenance, momordica seeds germinate well and give almost one hundred percent germination.

As soon as the seed coat cracks and tender white roots appear, you can sow the germinated seeds in the ground or in pots for seedlings.
Momordica seedlings are best grown in peat pots. I fill the pots with weathered peat and sand in a ratio (1:1:1:0.5).

Growing momordica

Practice has shown that momordica can be successfully grown in greenhouses and greenhouses on personal plot, as well as on a bright balcony, on the windowsill as a room culture.

Despite the tropical origin of this plant, momordica grows well in our garden. Even a short summer is quite enough for the ripening of its fruits.

Basically, we grow 2 types of momordica:
- momordica charantia("Indian pomegranate");
- momordica balsamic("balsamic pear").

Momordica is very demanding on soil fertility.
This plant responds especially well to organic fertilizers, which in open field brought in for digging (up to 10 kg per 1 m2).
We should not forget about mineral supplements momordica. The soil is applied (per m2): ammonium nitrate- 20-30 g, superphosphate - 35-40 g, potassium chloride - 20-30 g.
If the soil of your garden has high acidity, then it is useful to add 300-400 g of lime per 1 m2 of the bed area.

When growing momordica as a balcony or houseplant all norms of applied fertilizers are set taking into account the volume of soil in the container. In this case, when feeding, you can be guided by the instructions for the complex organo-mineral fertilizer used for indoor plants.

Like all vines, momordica needs support. The best way supports - a vertical trellis, which makes it possible to obtain the maximum yield due to the good illumination of the plant.
With a lack of lighting and nutrition, the ovaries often crumble, and the fruits of the momordica are formed small.

Momordica in cooking and medicine

Momordica has been grown since ancient times as a valuable vegetable and medicinal plant.
In ancient China, only the emperor and members of his family were allowed to eat momordica. And in India, it was considered the "plant of the gods."

You can buy momordica fruits from us (in a Korean store), but it’s still better to grow them yourself in the garden, in a room or on a balcony - there will be both beauty and benefit!

Fresh, tender young shoots and leaves of momordica go to salads and vinaigrettes, they are used to cook delicious borscht and vegetable medicinal soups.

Momordica has a high nutritional value, far superior to peppers and eggplants popular with gardeners. Momordica fruits contain a lot of proteins, carbohydrates, sugars, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins (“A”, “B”, “B1”, “C”, etc.). Vitamin E found in fruits protects the body from premature aging, and vitamin F gives vitality and strength.
In the fruits of momordica especially a lot folic acid, from the lack of which the bone marrow suffers, and there is also a danger of cancerous tumors.
Momordica is used as a natural medicine to destroy cancer cells, bacteria and viruses, for the treatment of hypertension, hemorrhoids, to improve immunity. This plant quickly removes excess fat from the body, speeds up the metabolism and makes the figure slim.

For the treatment of momordica, doctors advise using absolutely all the healing parts of the plant - roots, leaves, seeds, flowers and fruits.
Momordica is especially widely used in Tibetan-Chinese folk medicine. Momordica is used as an anesthetic, for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, stomach ulcers, to lower blood sugar levels, to produce insulin and treat diabetes.
Momordica is valuable for the body in an effort to slow down the aging process and achieve active longevity.

Fruits and seeds of momordica lower blood cholesterol levels, prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques, cleanse blood vessels, reduce the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes, cure leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, headaches and joint pain, burns, psoriasis, depression, furunculosis, hepatitis.
And momordica treats eye diseases, increases visual acuity.
Decoctions and tinctures of momordica heal from prostatitis, urolithiasis, sclerosis, improve brain function and strengthen immunity.

Recipes for tincture and decoction of fruits and seeds of momordica

Momordica fruit tincture

Cut the fruits of momordica without seeds into small pieces. Fill them up tightly three-liter jar. Pour vodka (0.5 l) into a jar, close the lid. Keep for two weeks in a dark cool place.
Tincture of momordica fruits is drunk for three days on an empty stomach (30 minutes before meals), 1 teaspoon 3 times a day.
Momordica fruit tincture is effective for colds (cough, runny nose, fever), psoriasis and rheumatism. And also it is used as a means to strengthen the body's immunity.

Decoctionfrom momordica seeds

About 15-20 crushed seeds of momordica are poured with 1 cup of boiling water, kept on low heat for 10 minutes. Then insist for an hour and filter.
Momordica seed tincture is drunk 50 mg, 3-4 times a day, for hemorrhoids and as a diuretic, for febrile diseases.

Grow momordica for beauty and benefit, and be healthy!

Vladimir Udod (Denver, USA)

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Momordica, or Indian pomegranate, is an exotic fruit native to Asia. Oblong, bright orange (when ripe), all covered with "warts", inside of which are juicy berries. All parts of the plant are considered edible. But we are more accustomed to eating berries. Are the fruits of momordica useful?

Benefit

• Red berries are an additional source of potassium, zinc, selenium, silicon, vitamins B, E, A, C, folic and pantothenic acid.
• Momordica is able to increase the level of beta enzymes in the pancreas. As a result, the function of insulin production is normalized, which has a beneficial effect on the concentration of sugar in the blood.
• Plant extract inhibits cancer cells. Regular consumption of the fruit stops the growth of tumors of the prostate, liver, the development of sarcoma, melanoma. Research scientists have proven anti-leukemic activity of substances contained in momordica.
• The juice of the pulp has an antibacterial and antiviral effect. Enjoying the bright taste of the fruit, you can help your body quickly cope with various infections and inflammatory processes. The fact is that momordica is a source of phytoncides. Elements that kill viruses and bacteria.
• Indian pomegranate stimulates the activity of the immune system. It helps to remove wastes and toxins.
• Berries increase visual acuity, have a positive effect on the general condition of the eyes.
• Vitamin E in the fruit helps cells renew themselves. The body is more successful in fighting premature aging. Tocopherols have an antioxidant effect. Substances bind free radicals and make them inactive. Thanks to folic acid, the process of hematopoiesis improves.
• Momordica is a low-calorie product. In one hundred grams of pulp - no more than 15-20 kcal. This is due to the fact that the fetus is 85% water. You can eat at your pleasure, without fear for the figure. And provide for your body useful vitamins and minerals.

In those countries where momordica is ubiquitous, people treat many diseases with it. Indian pomegranate is used as a therapeutic agent for diabetes, asthma, hepatitis, leukemia, and colds. It is used as an antihelminthic drug.

Medicinal properties

• A drug prepared from the pulp helps to cure infectious skin pathologies. It is used externally.
• In acute respiratory diseases, inhalations from momordica are useful.
• Decoctions from the plant are used to treat prostatitis, urolithiasis, sclerosis.
• Fruit tinctures are recommended for the treatment of diseases gastrointestinal tract.
• Berries contain substances that reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. Therefore, momordica is used in the treatment of pathologies of the heart and blood vessels.
• A decoction of the leaves is effective as a prophylactic during influenza epidemics.
• It also has an analgesic effect, which is successfully used in exacerbation of arthritis.
• Fresh berries reduce itching, prevent swelling in places of insect bites.
• A decoction of momordica helps with prickly heat and skin rashes.
• If a person has received a gasoline burn, a hot compress of honey and leaves should be applied. The wound heals faster, does not become infected and does not leave scars.

Indian pomegranate has found application not only in traditional medicine, but also in pharmacology. Based on it, drugs are produced for the treatment of colds, flu, psoriasis.

Harm

The fresh juice of an unripe fruit is poisonous!

If you overdo it with consumption, you can earn an allergic reaction. In some people, allergies manifest themselves quite aggressively, up to suffocation. Be careful!

Momordica is toxic to the liver. The peel of the seeds should never be given to children.

When using preparations based on Indian pomegranate, side effects are possible:

• nausea;
• vomit;
• diarrhea;
• stomach upset;
• hypoglycemia.

Attention! A large number of seeds of the plant leads to poisoning. In severe form, it may present with fever and coma.

calories

Momordica is harvested green or at the stage of yellowing. It has a bitter taste. Therefore, it is soaked for several hours in salt water. Then stewed, boiled or canned.

Ripe fruits have sweet seeds. They can be eaten as well. The skin is still bitter. One hundred grams of boiled or dried momordica without salt contains 19 kcal.

Contraindications

The use of exotic treats for some people is prohibited.

• Momordica can provoke spontaneous abortion, bleeding. Therefore, pregnant women should not eat it.
• The berry is contraindicated for persons with individual intolerance to its active substances.
• It is also better for nursing mothers to refuse Indian pomegranate.

The nutritional value

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamins:

Element name		% of daily requirement
A (RE)	6 mcg	1
beta carotene	68 mcg	1
Lutein	1323 mcg
B 1 (thiamine)	0.051 mg	4
B 2 (riboflavin)	0.053 mg	4
B 3 (nicotinic acid)	0.28 mg	2
B 5 (pantothenic acid)	0.193 mg	4
B 6 (pyridoxine)	0.041	3
B 9 (folic acid)	51 mcg	13
E (tocopherol)	0.14 mg	1
K (naphthoquinone)	4.8 mcg	5
C (ascorbic acid)	33 mg	40

Minerals:

Element name	Quantity in 100 grams of product	% of daily requirement
Calcium	9 mg	1
Iron	0.38 mg	3
Magnesium	16 mg	5
Manganese	0.086 mg	4
Phosphorus	36 mg	5
Potassium	319 mg	7
Zinc	0.77 mg	8
Sodium	6 mg	0

Thus, momordica has a number of useful characteristics. What convinces her composition. However, eating it without measure is dangerous to health.

Momordica has long been cultivated for its medicinal properties. There are also many recipes for cooking momordica. For example, in Indian cuisine it is considered a valuable food plant and both pulp and seeds of momordica are used in cooking.

Medicinal properties momordica recognized not only by the people, but also official medicine. So, the German company Hel produces the drug Momordica compositum(Momordica compositum), which normalizes the production of pancreatic enzymes and is used in chronic pancreatitis.

Momordica, its beneficial properties, are well known in the Asian region, where it is traditionally cultivated. But the cultivation of momordica is possible even in middle lane. It grows well both in open ground and on balconies, has carved foliage and bright exotic fruits, so momordica is also grown as an ornamental vine.

Momordica is a genus of plants in the Cucurbitaceae family, native to tropical regions of Asia, Africa and Australia.
As cultivated plants two types are widely used: Momordica Charantia or indian pomegranate (Momordica charantia) and Momordica cochin (Momordica cochinchinensis).

The fruit of the momordica has a very unusual shape reminiscent of a tropical fruit. At an early stage of maturation, it is green in color ( cucumber momordica), and in ripe form from bright yellow to orange. The surface of the fruit is uneven, ribbed, rough. When ripe, the fruit cracks, revealing its seeds, which are covered with bright red flesh.

Momordica growing from seeds.

Momordica seeds photo

Despite their tropical origin, growing momordica possibly as in garden plot in the middle lane, and at home. In the wild form, momordica is found in the Crimea.

For cultivation, it is necessary to select only dark seeds of momordica. Planting seedlings should start at the end March - early April. Momordica seeds are disinfected in a weak solution of potassium permanganate and each is slightly incised or scratched. This is necessary for germination.

Scarification, from lat. scarifico - I scratch. Mechanical scarification of seeds involves superficial damage to their hard shell. This is done so that the seeds can absorb water and germinate. At home, it is most convenient to use sandpaper, a nail file, a small file, etc. The shell of the seed must be scratched, but not rubbed through! Scarification is used for many plants. For example: lupine, jojoba, persimmon, castor bean, pelargonium, sweet pea, glazing, etc.

Thereafter momordica seeds wrapped in gauze soaked in water. They should be kept in a warm, moist environment for about 2 weeks before hatching. Now you can plant them in the ground, deepening by 1-2 cm. Momordica seedlings are grown on the windowsill, gradually hardening it.

Momordica flowering photo

At the end of May, seedlings can be planted on the site by choosing a calm sunny place and having prepared in advance the supports along which the vine will curl. Agrotechnics for the cultivation of momordica is like that of other cucurbits. You can fertilize momordica complex fertilizers. She loves fertile soils and is responsive to fertilizing with manure. It is useful to make it immediately, when digging.

On hot, dry days, daily plentiful watering is necessary. In order for momordica to bear fruit well, it is necessary to remove all side shoots, leaving 2-3 main stems. Like zucchini and cucumber - fruits should be collected as often as possible.

Cucumber momordica what kind of plant?

The range of medicinal properties of momordica is very wide - it is used both to strengthen the immune system and fight overweight, as well as to treat serious diseases: peptic ulcer, pancreatitis and even oncology.

Momordica preparations have high antibacterial activity against streptococci, staphylococci, salmonella, Helicobacter pylori, etc.

All parts are used medicinally. plants - leaves, fruits, seeds. You should be aware of the contraindications and the harm that you can cause yourself. It is strictly forbidden to use momordica preparations for pregnant women, as they have an abortive effect.

Among medicinal properties of momordica- its ability to lower blood sugar levels, so it is used to treat diabetes. But uncontrolled intake will lead to hypoglycemia (decrease in glucose levels) and the corresponding consequences: dizziness, nausea, headache, etc.

One of the beneficial properties of momordica is its ability to slow down skin aging. Here is one of the recipes for a medical mask from momordica:

Momordica fruit juice - 3 tablespoons.
Potato - 100 g

Peel potatoes, grate on a fine grater, add momordica juice and mix. Apply the mask to clean face skin and keep for 10-15 minutes. When finished, remove with a cotton swab.

There are many dishes from momordica: it is fried, added to salads and soups as a spice, salted and pickled, like cucumbers.

Momordica is one of the favorite delicacies in Asian cuisine and is widely used in Indian cooking, despite the fact that its fruits are bitter. By the way, they are not particularly worried about the bitterness of the fruits of momordica, which resembles the famous bitterness of cucumbers that have not been watered for a long time. Europeans are scared off by such a taste, but there are a number of tricks with which you can get rid of it.

Firstly, only green " momordica cucumbers“The bitterness in them is not as strong as that of ripe orange fruits. But, all the same, you have to get rid of bitterness.

Momordica recipe 1 getting rid of bitterness.
The fruit is cut in half and all the bitter seeds are taken out with a spoon. The skin is not removed. Momordica is cut into slices and placed in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then thrown into a colander.

Momordica recipe 2 how to get rid of bitterness.
The fruit is cut in half and the seeds are taken out. Momordika is cut into slices and covered with salt for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally. The released juice is drained and washed in a colander.

Recipe - momordica with pork:

momordica - 500g
pork (not fatty) - 250g
soy sauce - 1.5 teaspoons
rice vodka - 2 tablespoons
chicken broth - half a cup
garlic, finely chopped - 2 teaspoons
vegetable oil
salt, pepper - to taste
sesame oil - 0.5 teaspoon

Cut the pork into very long thin slices. Put in a bowl, add soy sauce, vodka, pepper and leave to stand.

Add oil and heat up the pan. Put the garlic, warm it for 15 seconds, then add the pork. Cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes, until the pork is white and almost done. Take out the meat.

Add oil and heat the pan, then add the momordica prepared according to recipe 1 for bitterness. Saute it for about a minute and then add the chicken broth. Put the pork back into the skillet, cover and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes. Turn off. Add sesame oil, salt and stir.

Recipe - fried momordica:
Add oil and heat a frying pan, then add chopped garlic and chili peppers. Fry for 20-30 seconds until fragrant. Add momordica (recipe 2 to get rid of bitterness). Saute for 2 minutes, then add balsamic vinegar and half a teaspoon of sugar. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the slices are soft and start to brown.

Many gardeners like to grow everything new and unusual on their plots. Squirting cucumber is no exception - gardeners are trying to grow it in their dachas. What is a momordica? Or wild melon, yellow or Indian cucumber, even crocodile cucumber, as soon as this exotic plant is not called.

Momordica - what kind of plant?

Momordica is an annual climbing herbaceous vine of the gourd family. It is very common in China, Japan, Southeast Asia. In China, dishes from this plant could only be served on the imperial table. This culture appeared in Russia not so long ago, but it is rapidly gaining popularity - it is grown on balconies and window sills, in the garden momordica can perfectly decorate a gazebo, or hide an ugly building.

Momordica looks great near gazebos and along paths

Momordica has long thin stems that grow over two meters. Beautiful large light green foliage, which differs from other pumpkins in strong dissection. It looks very decorative and beautiful.

Blossom begins at the same time as the active formation of shoots. The flowers are bright yellow on long stems, with a delicate aroma of jasmine. Her flowers form male and female: males bloom first, and then females appear - they are smaller. The ovaries grow rapidly after pollination.

Momordica flower

The most unusual thing about momordica is its fruits. Elongated spindle-shaped up to 20 cm long - completely covered with pimples, similar to warts or crocodile skin. Young greens up to 10 days are light green in color, they can be cooked and salted like cucumbers. Then the fruits turn yellow and bright orange. The flesh acquires a bitterness similar to the famous bitterness of cucumbers. This does not prevent them from being used for food - you just need to specially prepare the fruits to remove bitterness. Momordica tastes like bitter gourd. Ripened fruits burst, opening into three juicy petals, dropping bright red seeds. There are varieties with fruits white color.

Photo of momordica fruits
Variety of fruits of momordica

The seeds are quite large - similar to watermelon. Each seed has its own unique pattern, similar to the national ornament of India. Near the seeds, a juicy pericarp of dark red color - a pleasant taste, reminiscent of persimmon.

Growing momordica

In many ways, it resembles sowing a pumpkin, but has its own distinctive features. It can also grow on the balcony, but in order to grow momordica in the garden during our short summer, you need to grow seedlings.

Seedling

Seeds are prepared before planting. To make them germinate faster, you need to rub the tip with sandpaper or a nail file - this technique is called scarification - you only need to slightly damage the skin of the seed, but do not wipe holes through! This helps the seed to pass water better and open up easier.

Then we soak the seeds in a solution of potassium permanganate for a couple of hours, rinse and put in wet sawdust or a wet cloth for germination, put in a warm place. After such preparation, almost all seeds germinate.

As soon as the seed opens, sow each in separate cups or peat pots for seedlings. We prepare the soil from a mixture of peat, humus, leafy soil and sand. We keep crops in warm place at a temperature not lower than + 22-25 ° C and not allowing drying.

As soon as shoots appear, the pots are moved to the window, it is advisable to lower the temperature to 16 ° C in the first days so that the shoots do not stretch. Then you need to grow seedlings at + 22 ° C, welcome high humidity and regular spraying of plants.

Planting in the ground

Before planting, momordica seedlings need to be hardened off; they are usually planted in the ground in late May - early June, after the threat of night frosts. Be sure not to damage the earthen ball, so as not to disturb the weak roots. The soil should already be warmed up - otherwise the vine will freeze, and may die. It does not tolerate temperature drops below +10°C!

The soil needs light fertile, slightly acidic. Loves feed very much organic fertilizers and watering warm water. If your soil is acidic, add lime when digging. Grows well after nightshade (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant), legumes, root crops, greens, cabbage.

Care

1. Momordica loves a lot of light, places protected from the wind, light shading at noon from the hottest sun. It grows very well in greenhouses and greenhouses. It reacts badly to thick planting and shade - the fruits are small and crumble.
2. An adult plant is grown on a support or trellis, like all vines, it needs a vertical garter.
3. Water momordica often and only with warm water. Spray the entire plant constantly.
4. It grows quickly, so frequent top dressing is needed, every two weeks. The most suitable will be an infusion of mullein.
5. The plant forms many stepchildren, it must be formed. First, start up two shoots - stepchildren immediately grow actively and bloom. To speed up fruiting, side shoots are pinched. It is necessary to ensure that the shoots do not thicken the crown.

These extra shoots can be rooted by simply placing them in warm water.

When the fruit is fully ripe, it opens into three large "petals". Seeds fall to the ground, at this time the fruit is ready for harvesting - you just need to pluck it in time.

Attention!

Be careful when working with young plants - before the fruit appears, the leaves are burned like nettles. You need to work with gloves.

Fruits are stored in the refrigerator for up to 20 days.

Momordica - useful properties

In China, it is popular under the name "fruit of centenarians." And not in vain - it contains many useful material. Fruits are rich in proteins, carbohydrates and sugars. A lot of vitamins, up to 100 mg - vitamin C, group B, carotene, E and others. In folk medicine, the plant is used to treat cancer, viral diseases, hypertension, immune system, haemorrhoids. Dishes from momordica speed up the metabolism, burn fat in the body and slim the figure.

All parts of the plant are suitable for treatment - fruits, flowers, roots, leaves, seeds. Momordica is very popular in Chinese traditional medicine. It is used for pain relief, treatment of heart, stomach (ulcer) diseases, to lower blood sugar and insulin production in diabetes. Preparations from momordica slow down the aging of the body and contribute to active longevity.

Seeds and fruits lower cholesterol, cleanse blood vessels, cure leukemia, skin diseases(psoriasis, burns), pain in the joints and head, help with depression, hepatitis, furunculosis, eye diseases.

Decoctions of the plant relieve urolithiasis, prostatitis, improve the immune system and brain function.

medicinal prescriptions

Momordica fruit tincture

Fruits without seeds are cut into small pieces. Place tightly in a three-liter jar. Pour half a liter of vodka, close the lid. Remove for two weeks in a dark place.

Drink one teaspoon three times a day, on an empty stomach half an hour before meals for 3-4 days.

The tincture is effective for colds, rheumatism, psoriasis. Also strengthens the immune system.

Decoction of momordica seeds

Grind about 20 pieces of seeds, pour a glass of boiling water, heat over a fire for ten minutes. Insist then an hour, strain. The decoction is taken 50 mg 3 times a day for fever, hemorrhoids and as a diuretic.

Side effects and contraindications:

• Momordica treatment can cause allergies and excess salivation.
• Prohibited for pregnant and lactating women.
• In children, it can cause anemia and poisoning.

Do not self-medicate - consult your doctor!

Momordica Recipes

Before use, the fruits of momordica are soaked in salt water to remove bitterness. Salads are prepared from young greens, boiled, fried, seasoned for meat, marinated. The fruits are high in protein and are more nutritious than cucumbers. A little bitterness remains in the fruits, in mature ones it is more.

There are other ways to remove bitterness from momordica fruits:

1. Boil for two minutes in boiling water, immediately cool under cold water.
2. Sprinkle the pieces with salt, then drain the released liquid.

Feel free to use recipes for eggplant dishes to prepare momordica. Leaves can be added to tea.

Young Momordica Appetizer Recipe

We take a young green, cut into circles, like zucchini. Soak in salt water. At this time, heat up the pan with oil. Dip the circles in flour with the addition of turmeric. Fry and a beautiful crust in a hot frying pan. We get a savory snack that improves digestion and enhances taste sensations.

stuffed momordica

We clean the fruits from seeds and fill with minced meat. Minced meat can be any - as for peppers, cabbage rolls. Can be filled with mixed vegetables. Then simmer in a little water.

For pickling, small fruits are placed in jars and poured with any brine for pickling cucumbers.

Now you know what a momordica plant is - how to grow and cook it. I wish this beautiful vine to please you with fruits.

Sincerely, Sofia Guseva.

Other interesting articles.

Not every fruit of the pumpkin family is found on the table of our hostesses. For example, momordica is still quite a rare product. This plant is distinguished by long vines, fragrant inflorescences and large bright fruits. The exoticism of the vegetable gave it many unusual names: Indian pomegranate, wild melon, yellow cucumber, balsamic pear, bitter gourd, crocodile cucumber. Momordica owes such a variety of nicknames not only to its orange color, but also to its unusual taste, reminiscent of both pumpkin and persimmon.

Components

A bright cucumber covered with warts can scare away unusual view, but in fact it is a very nutritious product. This vegetable contains a lot of oils, amino acids, phenols, glycosides, alkaloids, resins. Therefore, even momordica seeds are able to exhibit antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects, and can also relieve puffiness.

The medicinal properties of the plant are associated with a rich set of vitamins. So, folic acid regenerates the cellular structure, and nicotinic acid is responsible for redox processes. Vitamins from the B-group improve the condition of hair, skin, tissues. Due to beta-carotene, free radicals are destroyed, i.e. fight against cancer. The product also contains pantothenic acid, which accelerates the production of cellular energy.

More rare biologically active substances also expand the medicinal use of momordica fruits. Vitamin E prevents early aging and has an antioxidant effect, while vitamin F tones the entire body and fills it with strength. The most common component - ascorbic acid - is also found in these vegetables, so immunity is strengthened with each piece of momordica.

Pumpkin fruits, as well as young shoots, contain potassium, selenium, zinc and silicon, which regulate many organ systems. However, useful substances also contain leaves. These are iron, phosphorus, sodium and calcium. Without such minerals, metabolic processes in the body do not proceed correctly, and if a deficiency of micro- and macroelements occurs, the human condition noticeably worsens. Therefore, it is so important to use momordica.

The plant is very useful for diabetic patients. Its fruits contain charantin - a substance that not only lowers blood sugar. This component normalizes the production of insulin in the body and increases the number of beta cells in the pancreas.

The most powerful antioxidant - lycopene - is also found in the composition of the fruits of momordica. Indian cucumber inhibits cancer cells, stopping the growth of tumors in the liver and prostate. The product reduces the likelihood of sarcoma and melanoma, and is also effective in the fight against leukemia.

Momordica contains triterpene saponins in its root system, which is why it is used in the treatment of rheumatism. Fruits are an excellent source of phytoncides, which kill infections and relieve inflammation.

The use of pumpkin for weight loss is due to the fact that about 85% of the composition of all fruits is water. Therefore, the calorie content of the product is very low. You can also eat leaves, stems, roots and seeds, they are rich in flavonoids and organic acids.

Usage

The historical homeland of mad melon is Southeast Asia and some parts of India. It is believed that the Maya tribes knew about this product, but the Europeans got acquainted with the plant only in the 16th century. Momordica is not considered classic pumpkin culture, because it has thin and long stems, as well as large pale green leaves. During flowering, the plant exudes a marvelous aroma of jasmine.

The taste of watery and crunchy fruits of momordica is similar to cucumbers and bell pepper. The brown seeds of the vegetable give it a slight bitterness. But this does not prevent the use of the product even as part of many national dishes peoples of Asia and Africa.

Young shoots have found their way into modern cooking as part of salads, soups and appetizers. Fruits are consumed raw and even unripe, since this does not affect their benefits in any way. True, in the process of ripening, vegetables become more tart and spicy. However, a fully ripe product has a sweetish aftertaste, so it is consumed fresh. Heat treatment needed in this case to soften hard fibers. Delicate fresh leaves of momordica can be put in borscht and vinaigrette.

Fleshy large fruits are usually fried on vegetable oil. But they are equally good stewed, pickled, pickled, boiled. Momordica is also part of the legendary seasoning - curry. On the basis of a vegetable, you can make different drinks: wine, liqueur, liquor, tonic. Even yellow cucumber jam comes out delicious. So that the plant does not have any bitterness, its fruits can be soaked in salted water in advance.

Ruby berries are formed inside any momordica fruit after ripening, which are very sweet and taste similar to tropical pineapple with nutty notes. Berries are usually used to decorate cakes and various confectionery.

In Asia, momordica is added to various vegetable stews. It is combined with potatoes, coconuts and even yogurt. Amazonian tribes put leaves and fruits in bean dishes to make food spicy in taste and aroma. Even in Japan, this vegetable is very popular and is considered one of the reasons for the longevity of the people.

Efficiency

There is information that in Ancient China only the emperor and members of his family were allowed to eat momordica. In India, it was considered the plant of the gods, in Japan - the plant of centenarians. In our country, this exotic cucumber for testing can be bought in Korean stores. Although our gardeners believe that it is much more interesting and useful to grow momordica on your own.

• Indian pomegranate stimulates the activity of the immune system. It helps to remove wastes and toxins.
• Berries increase visual acuity, have a positive effect on the general condition of the eyes.

Such properties of momordica are also known: antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, astringent, sedative properties. This plant is recognized by official medicine and is used in the production of drugs that stabilize the functions of the pancreas.
Berries, unlike bitter pulp, are sweet, they contain fatty oil rich in carotene. It increases hemoglobin in the blood and strengthens the human immune system. Berries are also used to treat peptic ulcers and gastritis: 1 seed is chewed half an hour before meals and eaten with 1 teaspoon of honey. This should be done 3 times a day, the course of admission is 9 days. The seeds contain 32% essential medicinal oil momordicin, rich in healing carotene.

It is believed that all parts of the plant are nutritious and healing - roots, leaves, seeds, flowers and fruits. Fresh young shoots and leaves of momordica go to salads and vinaigrettes, delicious borscht and medicinal soups are cooked from them. “Momordica destroys cancer cells, bacteria and viruses, treats hypertension, hemorrhoids, stomach ulcers, diabetes and even leukemia. Increases immunity, anesthetizes. Quickly removes excess fat, speeds up metabolism, makes the figure slim. Reduces blood cholesterol levels, cleanses blood vessels. It seems that all infirmities are subject to the miracle cucumber, including rheumatoid arthritis, headaches and joint pains, burns, psoriasis, depression, furunculosis, hepatitis, prostatitis, urolithiasis, sclerosis. And momordica treats eye diseases, increases visual acuity. It remains only to check!

Scientists have shown that this plant increases the total amount of beta enzymes in the pancreas and has a beneficial effect on the body's function to produce insulin, which means that the substances contained in Indian pomegranate help regulate blood sugar levels. Another useful property of momordica, which was revealed relatively recently, was the ability to inhibit cancer cells and tumors. Studies have been carried out which have shown that medicines, which include plant extract, help stop the spread of prostate tumors. Numerous studies have demonstrated the anti-leukemic and anti-cancerous activity of the components contained in the plant against sarcoma, melanoma, liver cancer and leukemia.

Medical recipes with momordica

From pressure, diuretic: pour 1 tablespoon of momordica seeds with half a liter of water, and boil for 20 minutes in a water bath. Leave to cool, take a quarter cup 3 times a day. This decoction sometimes appears in folk medicine sources as a remedy for hemorrhoids. Then it is used for making cold lotions. For colds, psoriasis, rheumatism: fresh momordica fruit is cut into cubes, placed in glass jar and pour 0.5 liters of vodka. Momordica should be insisted for 2 weeks. After that, the tincture is taken before meals in a teaspoon. General tonic: the fruit, along with the bones, is turned through a meat grinder, and poured with 1 glass of honey, plus a glass of walnuts is added. Insist 12 hours, eat 1 teaspoon before main meals. The product is quite bitter, so you can drink it with water.

Momordica has a high nutritional value, far superior to peppers and eggplants popular with gardeners. Momordica fruits contain a lot of proteins, carbohydrates, sugars, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins (“A”, “B”, “B1”, “C”, etc.). Vitamin E found in fruits protects the body from premature aging, and vitamin F gives vitality and strength.
In the fruits of momordica, there is especially a lot of folic acid, the lack of which affects the bone marrow, and there is also a risk of cancerous tumors.
Momordica is used as a natural medicine to destroy cancer cells, bacteria and viruses, to treat hypertension, hemorrhoids, to increase immunity. This plant quickly removes excess fat from the body, speeds up the metabolism and makes the figure slim.

For the treatment of momordica, doctors advise using absolutely all the healing parts of the plant - roots, leaves, seeds, flowers and fruits.
Momordica is especially widely used in Tibetan-Chinese folk medicine. Momordica is used as an anesthetic, for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, stomach ulcers, to lower blood sugar levels, to produce insulin and treat diabetes.
Momordica is valuable for the body in an effort to slow down the aging process and achieve active longevity.

Fruits and seeds of momordica lower blood cholesterol levels, prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques, cleanse blood vessels, reduce the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes, cure leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, headaches and joint pain, burns, psoriasis, depression, furunculosis, hepatitis.
And momordica treats eye diseases, increases visual acuity.
Decoctions and tinctures of momordica heal from prostatitis, urolithiasis, sclerosis, improve brain function and strengthen immunity.

Recently, researchers have become seriously interested in its medicinal properties, and, above all, the ability to influence the functions of the pancreas. As it turned out, the fruits of momordica enhance the secretory activity of the pancreas, and increase the production of insulin. Clinical trials have shown that the introduction of momordica into the diet of patients diabetes allows you to significantly reduce the dose of synthetic analogues of insulin.

The ability of momordica preparations to suppress the development of cancer cells is another incentive for experimenters. The anti-cancer activity of momordica has been repeatedly confirmed by the results of various studies. It has been established that the process of metastasis of prostate cancer can be stopped with the help of momordica extracts, which also show activity against leukemia, sarcoma and melanoma. Healers of the East have long used momordica for the treatment of liver cancer and hepatitis, prescribed its preparations in many cases of severe infectious diseases. In addition to detoxifying the body (removing toxins), momordica acts as an immune modulator, gently stimulating the immune defense, which allows you to effectively fight many diseases.

Momordica fruit tincture

Cut the fruits of momordica without seeds into small pieces. Densely fill them with a three-liter jar. Pour vodka (0.5 l) into a jar, close the lid. Keep for two weeks in a dark cool place.
Tincture of momordica fruits is drunk for three days on an empty stomach (30 minutes before meals), 1 teaspoon 3 times a day.
Momordica fruit tincture is effective for colds (cough, runny nose, fever), psoriasis and rheumatism. And also it is used as a means to strengthen the body's immunity.

Decoction of momordica seeds

About 15-20 crushed seeds of momordica are poured with 1 cup of boiling water, kept on low heat for 10 minutes. Then insist for an hour and filter.
Momordica seed tincture is drunk 50 mg, 3-4 times a day, for hemorrhoids and as a diuretic, for febrile diseases.

• A drug prepared from the pulp helps to cure infectious skin pathologies. It is used externally.
• In acute respiratory diseases, inhalations from momordica are useful.
• Decoctions from the plant are used to treat prostatitis, urolithiasis, sclerosis.
• Fruit tinctures are recommended for the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Berries contain substances that reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. Therefore, momordica is used in the treatment of pathologies of the heart and blood vessels.
• A decoction of the leaves is effective as a prophylactic during influenza epidemics.
• It also has an analgesic effect, which is successfully used in exacerbation of arthritis.
• Fresh berries reduce itching, prevent swelling in places of insect bites.
• A decoction of momordica helps with prickly heat and skin rashes.
• If a person has received a gasoline burn, a hot compress of honey and leaves should be applied. The wound heals faster, does not become infected and does not leave scars.

Wide and versatile medicinal use momordica. Her huge healing power and beneficial properties have long been used in Indian, Chinese and Tibetan medicine. In India, momordica was saved from death by snake bites. A manuscript found in a Tibetan monastery said that momordica cures more than a thousand diseases. All parts of the plant are used for treatment: roots, leaves, seeds, flowers and fruits. It is especially widely used in Tibetan-Chinese medicine to treat cardiovascular diseases, stomach ulcers, lower blood sugar levels, produce insulin and cure diabetes, slow down aging and prolong active longevity. Nowadays, momordica is widely used as a medicine for the destruction of cancer cells, bacteria, viruses, lowering blood pressure, treating hypertension, hemorrhoids, increasing immunity, as a pain reliever.

In momordica, many unique healing substances were found that are not found in other medicinal plants. The culture is recognized as official medicine, many preparations are prepared from it - Momordica compositum, Hepel, Gepar chelidonium, Gomakkord, etc. The use of momordica promotes weight loss, it quickly removes excess fat from the body, makes the figure slim, attractive and beautiful. Fruits and seeds reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, prevent the formation of cholesterol plaques, cleanse blood vessels, and reduce the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.

Momordica cures leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, headaches and joint pains, burns, psoriasis, depression, furunculosis, liver with hepatitis. It also heals eye diseases, improves visual acuity. It releases charantaine, a mixture of steroids that regulate blood sugar levels, destroys resistant herpes and influenza viruses, cures fever, swelling and inflammation.

Decoctions, tinctures and extracts are much more effective than other drugs, increase potency, heal prostatitis, urolithiasis, sclerosis, improve brain function. Fruits cure obesity, alcoholism and smoking. Momordica is widely used in cosmetology. An infusion of its leaves smoothes wrinkles, improves the condition of the skin, making it young, supple and velvety.

Modern science has established that the substances contained in the fruits of this plant can lower total cholesterol, blood sugar levels in diabetics, stimulate insulin production, and even treat certain types of cancer. Momordica-based preparations are used to treat psoriasis, flu and colds. Numerous experiments have shown that extracts of its leaves and fruits can destroy staphylococci, streptococci and even HIV.

The fruits and seeds of momordica in traditional medicine recipes are used as follows: fruit tincture. The fruit of momordica must be cut finely, put in a glass container, pour 0.5 liters of vodka, cover and let it brew for 2 weeks. in a cool, dark place. After preparing momordica, drink the tincture on an empty stomach 30 minutes before meals, 1 teaspoon three r / day for three days. It is believed that such an infusion is effective for colds, fever, runny nose, cough, rheumatism, psoriasis, and is also used for general strengthening of the body, but these properties of the plant have not been confirmed by official medicine. Seed decoction. To prepare it, momordica seeds (15-20g) are poured with boiling water (250ml), boiled for 10 minutes, then insisted for one hour and filtered. The decoction is taken at 50 ml 3-4r / day for fever as a diuretic or for hemorrhoids. Momordica leaves are not used in traditional medicine recipes. It is believed that they are too toxic and can cause harm.

• Seed decoction. The drug is used as an anti-febrile and diuretic. The decoction also finds use in the treatment of hemorrhoids. For 1 glass of water - 5 - 20 g of momordica seeds crushed on a coffee grinder. Cook at a low boil for 10 minutes, then insist for 1 hour. Take the drug up to 4 times a day, 50 ml.
• Seed powder. Momordica seeds are ground in a coffee grinder. Prescribed in a dosage of 3 - 5 g per reception. The multiplicity of reception and indications are the same as when using a decoction.
• Fruit tincture. For cooking medicinal tincture unripe fruits are used, which are crushed, placed in a glass container (up to half the volume) and poured with alcohol of 40% strength (vodka). Infusion is carried out for 14 days. The drug is prescribed three times a day for 1 tsp, half an hour before meals. It is necessary to take tincture in courses of 3 days.

Harm

However, whatever useful properties did not possess the plant, do not overdo it with its consumption. If you have a desire to experience the miraculous effect of its fruits, you do not need to try to eat as many of them as possible at a time, you will not cure the disease, and it is quite possible to earn an allergy. In addition, there is a very strict contraindication to the use of momordica, this is pregnancy, when using the extract and fruits of this plant, the risk of spontaneous abortion increases. Individual intolerance to the product is also one of the contraindications. Therefore, before trying this or that unfamiliar fruit or vegetable, you should learn as much as possible about it, even from the useful plant There are certain advantages and disadvantages that are worth paying attention to.

Attention! Momordica is contraindicated in pregnant women, as it has abortive properties.

Treatment with momordica can cause increased salivation, allergic reactions. Momordica seeds can cause poisoning, anemia in children. Contraindications to the use of momordica Momordica should not be taken by pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding. Chinese ethnoscience recommends not to use the momordica plant for diseases of the adrenal glands, stomach (may provoke heartburn, exacerbation of ulcers), and constipation. Treatment with momordica is also contraindicated in diseases of the thyroid gland.

On the Internet, you can often find instructions about allergies when you “overeat” momordica fruits. In fairness, it should be noted that momordica is not a strawberry, and the taste preferences of Europeans are radically different from the preferences of the inhabitants of the East, so “overeating” is practically excluded. However, individual intolerance can cause allergic manifestations(itching, rash, sore throat, etc.) - you need to get used to momordica.

As for the treatment with momordica preparations, they are not prescribed during pregnancy, since there is evidence that some biologically active substances that make up momordica have abortive properties. Pregnant women are also not allowed to eat momordica. Introduction to the diet of momordica in the period breastfeeding can cause allergies in the baby.

Biological effect on the body various parts plants are different. So, for example, if eating the seed coat has a beneficial effect on the state of the gastrointestinal tract (meaning with a stomach ulcer and 12-colon ulcer), then leaf-based preparations can cause an exacerbation of diseases. It is necessary to take into account all the pros and cons in the presence of diseases such as hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis, in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and adrenal glands.

If you overdo it with consumption, you can earn an allergic reaction. In some people, allergies manifest themselves quite aggressively, up to suffocation. Be careful!

Momordica is toxic to the liver. The peel of the seeds should never be given to children.

Value table

Useful material
beta carotene
Lutein
Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
Vitamin C
Vitamin K
Vitamin H
Sodium
Magnesium
Calcium
Phosphorus