Bitter melon, called yeoju (여주) in Korea and goya in Japan, is the fruit of Momordica charantia, a member of the gourd family. Korean households use it three ways: dried and roasted for tea, rolled into small pellets called hwan (환), and milled into powder for cooking. All three below are made from bitter melon grown in Korea.
Yeoju slices, hwan or powder at a glance
| Roasted slices | Hwan pellets | Powder | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Korean Roasted Bitter Melon, 3.5 oz | Korean Bitter Melon Pellets, 5.25 oz | Korean Bitter Melon Powder, 5.25 oz |
| Ingredients | 100% Korean bitter melon, roasted | Whole bitter melon and a little glutinous rice | 100% bitter melon from Hongcheon, Korea |
| Taste | Nutty and savory, like barley tea | Bitterness sealed inside the pellet | Bitter; works well mixed into other foods |
| How you use it | Simmer into a pot of tea | Swallow with water | Stir into rice, smoothies or cooking |
Dried yeoju slices: how do you brew bitter melon tea?
Rinse 10 to 20 g (0.35 to 0.7 oz) of roasted slices, add them to 1.5 to 2 quarts (1.5 to 2 liters) of water, bring it to a boil, then simmer on low for 20 to 30 minutes. Roasting trades the raw bitterness for a warm, nutty flavor closer to barley or dunggulle tea. The slices re-steep, so you can brew a second pot, or chill a big batch to drink through the day.
Prefer a single cup? Korean Bitter Melon Tea comes in 20 pyramid tea bags: steep one bag in about 3.4 fl oz (100 ml) of water at 176°F (80°C) for 1 to 2 minutes.
Yeoju hwan: what are bitter melon pellets?
Hwan is a traditional Korean way of rolling dried herbs into tiny pellets. These are made only from whole bitter melon and a little glutinous rice, with no fillers, preservatives or artificial colors, so you get bitter melon without the bitter taste. The label directs adults to take 10 pellets twice a day with a meal and a full glass of water. Refrigerate the pouch after opening.
Yeoju powder: how do you cook with bitter melon powder?
The powder is a single ingredient: bitter melon grown in Hongcheon, Gangwon-do, dried and finely milled. For yeoju-bap (bitter melon rice), stir about 1 teaspoon (5 g) into the rice for one serving before cooking. In smoothies or juice, start with ½ to 1 teaspoon and blend it with banana or mango to balance the bitterness. Small amounts also work in soups, batters and dressings.
Which form should I choose?
- You enjoy a warm pot of tea: roasted slices, or the tea bags for one cup at a time.
- You dislike the bitter taste: hwan pellets.
- You want to add it to meals: powder.
Before you use bitter melon
Bitter melon is not recommended during pregnancy, so avoid it if you are pregnant or trying to conceive. If you are nursing, take any medication, or are under medical care, consult your healthcare provider before use. Avoid it if you are allergic to gourd-family plants, and enjoy it in moderation.
See all bitter melon products in the Bitter Melon collection, or look up other herbs in our Korean herb names glossary.
