Bitter Melon

Bitter melon may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Take care to remove the seeds before serving, as they can increase the risk of choking.

Avoid bitter melon juice, tea, seeds, and extracts, as they may cause gastrointestinal upset, favism, and in rare cases, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Bitter melon is also not considered safe for pregnant women.

Bitter melon is the oblong fruit of a vigorous vine that originated in Africa and spread to the world’s tropical regions, including South Asia and the Pacific Islands, where it has many names: goya, karela, khổ qua, and peria, to name a few. There are many varieties – some with blunt ends and warty skin like a frog, others with pointy ends and jagged skin like an alligator. While its leaves are edible, the plant is commonly cultivated for its fruit, which are harvested when they are unripe for its distinctively medicinal bitter taste. Crunchy and watery in texture like its cousins, chayote and cucumber, bitter melon can be eaten raw, and the fruit’s jade- or cream-colored flesh is often peeled, deseeded, and cooked or preserved to balance its astringency.

★Tip: Bitter melon’s skin color indicates its stage of ripeness and intensity of flavor. Green bitter melons are unripe with a more bitter flavor than ripe ones, which turn orange or yellow as the fruit matures. Size can also affect taste: smaller bitter melons tend to be less bitter.

Yes. The skin and flesh of bitter melon are packed with essential nutrients to fuel baby’s growth and development, including fiber, vitamin C, folate, iron, potassium, and zinc. The pulpy flesh around the seeds also contains lycopene, a beneficial plant compound with antioxidant powers in the body. Plus, the fruit is loaded with lutein and zeaxanthin, two nutrients that support eye health.

As the name implies, bitter melon has a distinctly bitter flavor, which is believed to be an indicator of its medicinal properties. The fruit’s medicinal qualities are potentially vast: bitter melon has been studied for many purposes, including its anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-bacterial, and immune-supportive qualities.

Avoid bitter melon juice, seeds, tea, and extracts as these foods have been associated with negative health outcomes, including gastrointestinal problems, favism, and rare cases of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Yes. Bitter melon is a choking hazard if it is not deseeded, cut, and cooked in a way that is safe for babies and toddlers to consume. To minimize the risk, cut bitter melon into age-appropriate sizes, remove the seeds, and cook the fruit until it is completely soft. As always, make sure to create a safe eating environment and stay within arm’s reach of baby at mealtime.

For more information on choking, visit our sections on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.

No. Allergies to bitter melon are rare, and research is limited. However, individuals with allergies to other foods within the Cucurbitaceae family (such as cucumber, melons, and zucchini) may be sensitive to bitter melon. Individuals with Oral Allergy Syndrome (also known as pollen food allergy syndrome), particularly those who are allergic to ragweed pollen, may also be sensitive to foods within the Cucurbitaceae family. Oral Allergy Syndrome typically results in short-lived itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth and is unlikely to result in a dangerous reaction. Peeling and cooking the bitter melon can decrease the risk of developing oral allergy symptoms.

As you would do when introducing any new food, start by offering a small amount for the first couple of servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the amount served over future meals.

Recommended Guide: Introducing Allergens