bitter melon
• noun
The edible, warty, oblong fruit of a tropical vine in the gourd family, widely used in Asian, African, and Caribbean cuisines and characterized by its intensely sharp, astringent taste.
"She prepared a traditional stir-fry by tossing slices of bitter melon with garlic and fermented black beans to perfectly balance its strong flavor."
A tropical and subtropical vine (Momordica charantia) of the family Cucurbitaceae, native to parts of Asia and Africa, cultivated for its distinctive bitter fruits and traditional medicinal properties.
"The gardener built a tall trellis to support the rapidly growing bitter melon, ensuring the sprawling vines received plenty of sunlight throughout the summer."
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