Steve wrote:

> I impulsively bought a bitter melon from Berkeley Bowl
> and now am wondering what to do with it. It is green
> and spiky looking so I assume I must cut off the outer
> peel.
>
> Then what? Does it need to be cooked or can I just
> slice it up and eat it? Any ideas?

It's more than likely that there's *nothing* you can do to prepare it in a
way you'll like. Bitter melon is very much an acquired taste. As the name
implies, it's very bitter. For "beginners" at eating bitter melon, the
consensus appears to be that you should cut it into thin slices and fry it
in very hot oil until crisp. The crisp pieces can be used as a garnish for
cooked fish or sprinkled with salt, coconut flakes, and lime juice and eaten
as a snack with beer.

Bob