Steve Pope 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?
>
> Steve


AFAIK it needs to be cooked. Cut the ends off and scoop out the seeds,
then cut up as required.

Look he http://bittermelon.org/

Look up recipes for: ampalaya (Tagalog), karela (Hindi), kho qua
(Vietnamese), ku gua (Mandarin)...

Here's a Chinese recipe to get you started.

Bitter Gourd and Sparerib Soup (From 'Chinese Snacks')

2/3 lb spareribs
1 lb bitter gourd/melon
1 tbs fermented black beans
2 tbs tiny dried fish

Seasoning:
1 tsp rice wine
2 tsp salt
1 tsp soy sauce
6 c water
1 tsp MSG (optional)

Cut spareribs into bite-size pieces and gourd into 1/2 inch thick
slices. Rinse fermented black beans and dried fish; drain. Mix the
seasoning and the ribs and gourd in a bow. Steam for 30 minutes. Add MSG
(if used) and serve.