Bitter gourd grows off a vine as a pale green, roughly oblong, knobbly and wrinkly fruit. Its size, colour, texture and degree of bitterness differ depending on the variety and the region in which it grows. Bitter gourd is a fruit, but is treated more like a vegetable in cooking. It has a crunchy and watery texture and can be extremely bitter. It's an acquired taste; some find it unpalatable. But don't be put off! It is extremely good for you, and there are ways to tone down the bitterness.

• pale green
• roughly oblong
• knobbly
• wrinkly fruit
• Worldwide

pale green