How to consume bitter gourd after it turns yellow

If bitter gourd turns yellow and does not rot or spoil, it can generally be consumed, but its taste and nutritional value may decrease. Yellow bitter gourd can be cooked by stir frying, cold mixing, stewing soup, etc. It is not recommended to eat it raw or in excess. The yellowing of bitter gourd is usually a manifestation of increased maturity or prolonged storage time. After the skin turns yellow, the bitterness will be reduced, but some water-soluble nutrients such as vitamin C may be lost. This type of bitter gourd is suitable for slicing and stir frying with ingredients such as eggs and lean meat. High temperature and short-term cooking can reduce nutrient loss; It can also be sliced and blanched before cold mixing, and paired with seasonings such as minced garlic and vinegar to enhance the flavor; Alternatively, it can be stewed with pork ribs, soybeans, and other ingredients to make soup, which softens the fiber and makes it easier to digest. Attention should be paid to removing the red and soft flesh inside to avoid ingesting too many seeds.

If bitter gourd shows large areas of soft rot, mold spots, or odor, it is not edible. Bitter gourd with locally yellowish but solid texture, it is recommended to cut off the discolored part before processing. People with weak gastrointestinal function should reduce their food intake to avoid possible bloating and discomfort. When cooking, you can first marinate with salt for a moment and squeeze out some juice, which can further reduce the content of bitter substances.

It is recommended to wrap bitter gourd in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for daily storage, and try to consume it within 3 days. It is better to choose fresh bitter gourd with green skin and plump tumor like protrusions, as it contains more active ingredients such as bitter gourd glycosides and peptides. People with special physique should stop eating in time if they have nausea, diarrhea and other symptoms after eating. Patients with diabetes should pay attention to the fact that balsam pear may enhance the effect of hypoglycemic drugs, and monitor the changes in blood sugar.