Bitter Melon

Bitter melon is gaining a reputation in the West for its ability to control both diabetes and AIDS. In clinical trials, bitter melon fights viruses, lowers blood sugar, and kills tumor cells. An odd looking vegetable that resembles a shriveled cucumber, it is considered a medicinal food in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The entire plant can be used medicinally including the roots, leaves, and fruit. Annual, not frost hardy. Zones 9-11.