Product Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Momordica charantia |
| Common Names | Bitter Melon, Bitter Gourd, Khổ Qua, Mướp Đắng |
| Plant Family | Cucurbitaceae (gourd family) |
| Form | Dehydrated sliced fruit (loose herbal tea) |
| Net Weight | 100 grams |
| Origin Tradition | Asia; a familiar bitter drink in Vietnamese and other Asian kitchens |
| Flavor Profile | Intensely bitter, green, vegetal, earthy, dry finish |
| Best Used As | Strong hot infusion; brewed-then-chilled iced tea; bold blends |
| Caffeine | Naturally caffeine-free |
| Shelf Life | Best within ~12–18 months when stored properly |
Honestly Bitter — and Proud of It
Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) — bitter gourd, or Khổ Qua in Vietnamese — is named honestly: this is a boldly bitter cup, not a sweet melon tea. Brewed from the dried slices, it gives a pale yellow-green to light amber infusion with an intense, clean, vegetal bitterness — earthy and grassy, closer to a very strong green tea or dark leafy greens than to anything sweet, with only a faint melon note at the finish. It’s exactly the cup that bitter-food lovers seek out.
Plant & Origin
Bitter melon is a climbing vine in the gourd (Cucurbitaceae) family, bearing warty, ridged green fruit widely used across Asian kitchens. The fruit is sliced and dehydrated for a shelf-stable loose tea. This listing is the dried sliced fruit for brewing — not fresh vegetable, powder, extract, capsules, or a ready-to-drink product.
Key Highlights
- Boldly Bitter: A clean, intense, vegetal bitterness — for those who love it.
- Caffeine-Free: A strong-tasting cup without caffeine.
- Khổ Qua Classic: A familiar Vietnamese/Asian pantry drink.
- Flexible: Plain, iced, or balanced in a blend.
How to Brew
Hot Infusion
- Measure: Start with 1–2 teaspoons of dried slices per cup (start light).
- Heat Water: About 80–85°C (175–185°F) — not a rolling boil.
- Steep: Keep it short, about 2–5 minutes, tasting as you go; over-steeping turns harsh and astringent.
- Strain & Serve: Strain promptly. Honey, lemon, or fresh ginger rounds the edges without masking the bitterness.
Iced Tea
- Brew a slightly stronger hot infusion, strain, and cool.
- Serve over ice; a little citrus or ginger balances the cup.
Culinary Applications & Blend Ideas
- Plain Bitter Cup: For those who want a clean, strong bitter drink.
- Aroma Balance: Pair with lemon peel, ginger, mint, lemongrass, pandan, or chrysanthemum.
- Soften Gently: A small amount of mild green tea rounds it out.
- Iced: Chilled with citrus for a refreshing bitter tea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this sweet like melon?
No — it’s genuinely bitter (bitter melon / bitter gourd). Expect an intense, green, vegetal cup, not a sweet fruit tea.
How do I keep it from being too bitter?
Use less, brew cooler (about 80–85°C) and shorter (2–5 min), and balance with honey, lemon, or ginger. Start light and adjust up.
How much is in this pack?
100 g of dehydrated bitter melon slices.
Is this dried slices or powder?
Dried sliced fruit (Momordica charantia / Khổ Qua). It’s not powder, extract, capsules, fresh vegetable, or a ready drink.
How do I brew it?
Steep 1–2 teaspoons per cup in ~80–85°C water for 2–5 minutes, then strain. Serve hot or iced.
Storage & Quality Assurance
- Freshness: Dried slices; size, color, cut, and surface vary naturally batch to batch — normal for dehydrated fruit.
- Storage Instructions: Keep sealed in a cool, dry place away from moisture, steam, sunlight, and strong odors. Use a dry scoop.
- Package Includes: 100 g of dehydrated Bitter Melon slices (Momordica charantia / Khổ Qua).
