Bittermelon is also known as sopropo and bitter pear. It is a bitter, exotic fruit that originally comes from Asia. This vegetable can be grown successfully in a greenhouse in our colder climate. Although this vegetable is still relatively unknown in the Netherlands, it is widely used in Surinamese cuisine. Ripe fruits are said to be less bitter than unripe fruits. Bittermelon is ripe when the skin becomes somewhat lighter or more yellow in colour. Use this vegetable boiled, stir-fried, stewed or steamed. The bitter flavour of bittermelon combines very well with salted meat, shrimp, chillies, minced meat, tomatoes, bell peppers, sugar and chicken. It is important to counteract the bitter taste somewhat by using spicy herbs or something sweet.
