This week we’re talking about breeding a cool summer loving version of bitter melon (Momordica charantia), a popular vegetable in non-western cuisine that has great health benefits. Bitter Melon is my favourite vegetable, and I’m doomed to having poor quality frozen versions - hopefully no more if I can pull this project off!
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I love bitter melon! Best of luck with your efforts 
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Wishing you lots of luck! I like bitter melon too! Which types of bitter melon will you use to start this project with?
I have 4 types:
- Bangladeshi
- Thai
- F1 hybrid of Bangladeshi and Thai
- A smooth skinned bitter melon land race variety from True Love seeds
I might order more from True Love Seeds next year, as they seem to have their other bitter melons in stock now.
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Hi, I would love to hear if you have any updates on this project. I have a collection of different heirloom Japanese bittermelon varierties that im thinking of crossing in hopes of an earlier bittermelon (I live in Copenhagen). I have had huge succes in a greenhouse with bitter melon, but outside it’s difficult.
I’ve never grown bitter melon, but I have a neighbor a few doors down who grows it every year. The taste doesn’t sound like something I’d enjoy, but boy, those plants are gorgeous. 
My update is basically that I don’t have the time or land to continue this project. I sent my remaining seeds to another person in the UK with more land in hopes that they had some luck. I’ll message them now and see how they’re getting on!
I got bitter melons from my own landracing efforts, crossing a few strains in Central-South-West France. Some simply from fruits bought in Asian stores. Couple of plants, something like 30 or forty fruits that went to seed this year.
Please anybody willing to get seeds from those in Europe. let me know In PM.
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