Bitter melon is a popular summer vegetable in Japan.
I’ve never tried it in Japan or in the U.S.
But when I saw it at a local Asian grocery store, I decided to give it a try.
This is what I got.
I thought it was pretty reasonable.
I initially made namul with it.
My reaction to my very first bite of bitter melon?
“Bitter!”
I knew it was supposed to be bitter, but it was much more bitter than I thought.
Unfortunately, I had to throw it away.
I asked other people including my mother some ideas on how to cook/eat bitter melon.
My parents grow bitter melon in their garden, but my mother told me that it’s not her favorite.
She did tell me that she does like bitter melon smoothie (and tempura).
She gave me her smoothie recipe (bitter melon, banana, apple, milk), and I decided to give it a try.
I didn’t have apples, so I used gold kiwi and cherry plum.
I could still taste the bitterness from the melon, but the bitterness was rather pleasant.
Interestingly, a lot of people told me that they initially did not like the bitterness, but then they have come to love it.
So I’m hopeful…
4 thoughts on “Bitter Melon Smoothie
ゴーヤスムージー”
Bri
Thank you for sharing this recipe, it’s popular in the Caribbean but I grew up not liking it for its bitterness.
A Japanese friend suggested last year that I try with banana as a smoothie. So now they’re in season here in Japan, I bought one to try with banan bit decided to do some research on caraille banana smoothie and found your recipe.
I did it your mom’s way and it was amazing. So now it’s my new beat friend. I know it has amazing health benefits and Im finally glad to be able to make it part of my diet.
Thank you!!!☺️☺️
Reiko in reply to Bri
I’m glad that my mom’s recipe was helpful! Yes, the bitter melon is supposed to be really good for you. So bitter melon smoothie is like a super drink when combined with all the fruits! 🙂
THANKFUL
I TOO LOVED YOUR RECIPE IT WAS SIMPLE TO THE POINT I TRIED IT WITH PINEAPPLE AND THE BANANA WITH COCONUT MILK…WITH A HANDFUL OF SPINACH….IT WAS GREAT THANKS TO YOU AND MOM FOR SHARING ALL THE BEST
Reiko in reply to THANKFUL
I’m glad you liked it! The addition of pineapple, banana, coconut milk, and spinach sounds great! 🙂