Bitter gourd is a medicinal and edible ingredient. Due to its plump shape, it is often called "milk melon". The fruit of bitter gourd can be eaten directly and has a good effect in clearing heat and reducing fire.
Bitter gourd image
【The Application Value of Bitter Gourd】
1. Medicinal Use
Bitter gourd not only has the functions of nourishing qi and promoting lactation, but also has the effects of clearing heat, reducing fire, relieving thirst, and anti-inflammatory. In addition, it can also be used to help treat lung diseases.
2. Edible Use
The young fruit of bitter gourd can be eaten directly, and it is very rich in nutrients. Its protein content is higher than many other plants, and the content of ash and other nutrients is also high.
3. Feed Use
The stem of bitter gourd is relatively slender and has a low degree of lignification. It can be considered as a medium to high-quality feed and is very suitable for livestock feeding.
4. Economic Value
The whole plant of bitter gourd contains 1.5% rubber and 3.6% resin, which determines that it is a good industrial raw material.
Bitter gourd image
【The Cultivation of Bitter Gourd】
Water: Bitter gourd can grow in relatively water-deficient environments, indicating that it has strong drought tolerance. Therefore, except for watering during the vigorous growth period, water does not need to be overly considered at other times.
Light: We all know that the Northwest region has less precipitation, so the corresponding sunshine time is longer, which can provide sufficient sunlight to plants. Therefore, what we need to do is not to shade the plants too much and let them enjoy the sunlight better.
Soil: The soil that is most suitable for bitter gourd is sandy or gravelly soil. It mainly grows in dry valleys, sand dunes, and other places, mainly because the soil in these places is often sandy or gravelly.
Temperature: This factor mainly applies to the propagation period. Bitter gourd is generally propagated by cuttings, which has certain temperature requirements. It is best to maintain it at around 25°C, which is beneficial for its survival.
Fertilizer: This factor also applies to the propagation period. During this period, applying some organic fertilizers appropriately can help the young plants survive better.
