Bitter melon
, a fruit resembling a wrinkled cucumber and possessing an intensely bitter flavor (hence the name), is widely accepted to have numerous health benefits. However, the leaves of the plant are also consumed in many cultures as well, and are also believed to have beneficial properties.
While the home cook/gardener may find it simple to freeze the melon itself (many believe that it must be cooked first), you're often left wondering what to do with the leaves. As they are delicious as well as possessing the aforementioned health benefits, it would be a shame to let them go to waste. Not to fear, as it is possible to freeze them.
Instructions
1. Wash your bitter melon greens thoroughly in cool water.
2. Transfer the greens to the salad spinner and spin them until they are completely dry. If you do not have a salad spinner, you may dry them gently with a towel, and leave them on the counter to dry completely. It is essential that you do not leave any additional moisture on the greens.
3. Now that your bitter melon leaves are completely dry, take your paper towels and wrap the leaves in individual layers. You can get several layers wrapped in one paper towel, so no need to be concerned about being wasteful. The paper towels will keep your leaves from sticking together, and will allow you to defrost only what you plan on using.
4. Place your wrapped leaves into the freezer storage bags, and press out as much of the air as you can.
5. Seal the storage bags and write today's date, as well as the contents, onto the front of the bag. Your bitter melon leaves should be safe and sound in and free of freezer burn for a good six months!
Tags: bitter melon, bitter melon leaves, health benefits, melon leaves, paper towels, salad spinner, storage bags