Fresh Vegetables & Fruits

Karela, also known as bitter gourd or bitter melon, is a unique vegetable with a distinct bitter taste. It is commonly used in various cuisines, particularly in South Asian cooking, for its health benefits and unique flavor profile. When referring to a 1KG package of karela, the ingredients are simply the bitter gourds themselves.

Ingredients for Karela (Bittergourd) 1KG:

1. Bitter Gourd (Karela) (1 kilogram)

Nutritional Information (per 100 grams of bitter gourd):

• Calories: Approximately 17 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 3.7 g
• Sugars: 1 g
• Dietary Fiber: 2.6 g
• Protein: 0.84 g
• Fat: 0.17 g
• Vitamin C: 84 mg (140% of the Daily Value)
• Vitamin A: 471 IU (9% of the Daily Value)
• Folate: 72 µg (18% of the Daily Value)
• Calcium: 19 mg (2% of the Daily Value)
• Potassium: 296 mg (8% of the Daily Value)
• Magnesium: 17 mg (4% of the Daily Value)

Usage:

• Cooking: Karela is commonly used in stir-fries, curries, soups, and stews.
• Stuffed Karela: Hollowed out and stuffed with spices, lentils, or minced meat.
• Pickling: Pickled in vinegar or saltwater to reduce bitterness and enhance flavor.
• Juicing: Juiced along with other fruits and vegetables for its health benefits.

Preparation:

1. Washing: Rinse the karela thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or residue.
2. Trimming: Trim the ends and remove any blemishes or damaged parts.
3. Scraping: Optionally, scrape the rough surface lightly with a knife or peeler to reduce bitterness.
4. Slicing: Slice into desired shapes, such as rounds or lengthwise strips, depending on the recipe.

Storage:

• Fresh Karela: Store in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or container for up to a week.
• Freezing: Karela can be blanched and frozen for longer storage, although the texture may change slightly upon thawing.

Additional Considerations:

• Bitterness: The bitterness of karela can vary depending on the variety and ripeness. To reduce bitterness, soak sliced karela in saltwater or sprinkle with salt and let it sit for some time before cooking.
• Health Benefits: Karela is known for its potential health benefits, including blood sugar regulation, improving digestion, and boosting immunity.

Karela is a unique and nutritious vegetable that adds a distinctive flavor to dishes and is valued for its health-promoting properties. If you need more detailed information about a specific type of karela or another product, feel free to ask!