Momordica charantia is a tropical and subtropical vine of the family Cucurbitaceae, widely grown in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean for its edible fruit. Its many varieties differ substantially in the shape and bitterness of the fruit.
Where To Buy Bitter Melon In South Africa
Komati Foods
Address: 74 Lower Main Rd, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 5:30PM
Phone: +27 21 448 2130
Food Lover’s Market Menlyn Mall
Address: Garsfontein Road Lois Avenue, Shop G197, Menlyn Mall, Menlo Park, Pretoria, 0063, South Africa
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 7PM
Phone: +27 12 348 3760
Randburg Wholesale Market
Address: Carreira Centre, 252 Pine Ave, Ferndale, Johannesburg, 2160, South Africa
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 6PM
Phone: +27 11 787 8900
Oaklands Farm Supply
Address: Oaklands Shopping Centre, Kruger St & Pretoria Street, Oaklands, Johannesburg, 2192, South Africa
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 6PM
Phone: +27 11 728 3214
Impala Fruit & Veg
Address: 3, 177 Beyers Naude Dr, Northcliff, Johannesburg, 2195, South Africa
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 6PM
Phone: +27 11 888 4211.
What is bitter melon called in South Africa?
It is also known as bitter melon, karela, karavellaka and balsam pear.
How many types of bitter melon are there?
two
There are two main types of bitter melons that you’re likely to see in specialty markets in the US: the Chinese variety and the Indian variety.
What are the side effects of bitter melon?
Side effects of bitter melon include:
Abdominal pain and diarrhea (with bitter melon juice, several times more than the recommended amounts)
Headache, fever, and coma (with excessive ingestion of the seeds)
Worsening low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
What does bitter melon cure?
Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is a vine originally from India and other Asian countries. It has been traditionally used to treat diabetes. Bitter melon contains a chemical that acts like insulin to help reduce blood sugar levels.
Does bitter melon affect the liver?
The liver plays a pivotal role to maintain homeostasis of glucose and lipid. It is speculated that the administration of an EtOAc-soluble fraction of a bitter melon fruit extract (BMFA) may change the expression profile of hepatic genes involved in inflammation, glucose metabolism, and lipid metabolism