Bitter Gourd

These nasty little vegetables taste like poison and are capable of destroying a perfectly nice curry. I first came across them in the Philippines, where you never knew where they would turn up, and all meals had to be studied carefully to make sure they weren't lurking under the rice. I don't know why I tried to grow them this year because they really didn't want to grow here, any more than I actually want to eat them. I forgot they were there, and found them today amongst the scutch at the edge of the tunnel. I might have to eat one if it gets bigger than a jelly bean. They're good for you.