It's a member of the squash family and produces an oblong, green fruit that looks similar to a cucumber with a bumpy exterior. Bitter melon can be eaten raw, but it’s very bitter with no sweetness.

Bitter melon may contain compounds that may help lower blood sugar. However, if you consume it in excess or with certain medications, it may have negative effects on your health. Bitter melon ...

That bitter flavor in wild cucurbits-the family that includes cucumber, pumpkin, melon, watermelon and squash-is due to compounds called cucurbitacins. The fruit and leaves of wild cucurbits have ...