Bitter Melon in Kiangeh Market in Bandar Seri Begawan

The uses of ampalaya OR BITTER MELON encompass a number of herbal medicines used during ancient times. This herb has been part of folklore medicine since Philippine natives used the fruit as a cure for a variety of ailments. The Filipinos in Brunei use this bitter melon in their cooking.

Today many farmers have started to plant and sell it in the markets.

Ampalaya, or Momordica charantia, is a climbing vine. The vine grows as large as five meters and has tendrils that are 20 centimeters in length, on average. The leaves of the pant are heart shaped. Each leaf is between five and ten centimeters wide.

. A popular fruit in the Philippines, bRUNEI  and Malaysia, ampalaya fruit is green and oblong in shape. The ends are pointed. When the seeds mature within the fruit, the pointed edges become wrinkled and eventually burst open. The seeds from the plant are flat.

In terms of taste, the ampalaya fruit itself is edible and has a bitter taste to it. In fact, its name loosely translates to "bitter melon." This bitter taste comes from the momordicin within the fruit. Some claim that ampalaya fruit is some of the most bitter of all types of fruits and vegetables.

It is good in a Malaysian style salad, with a sambal made from belacan. It is good to prepare it as a soupl. Use the leaves and some fruits and cook with pork bones or ikan bilis. A nice warm soup which may be very healthy.