Balsam-pear

The immature fruit is soaked in salt water to remove a bitter flavour, and then cooked as a vegetable. They can also be used in curries and pickles. Non-bitter forms of the fruits are eaten in salads, in the same way as cucumbers. The seeds of more mature fruits must be removed. Young shoots and leaves - cooked and used as a vegetable. A popular leafy vegetable that is considered very healthy. Bitter gourd tea, made from dried fruit pieces, is a popular health drink in Japan and some other Asian countries.

The seeds are thought to be toxic.

Balsam pear is a laxative, diuretic herb that soothes irritated tissue, lowers fevers, kills parasites and cleanses toxins from the system. Many specific uses are mentioned. The unripe fruit contains an insulin-like peptide that has been shown to lower sugar levels in the blood and urine. It is used traditionally to treat the symptoms of diabetes, particularly late-onset diabetes.

De zaadrok wordt gebruikt als kleurstof voor rijst en zit ook wel in kerrie.

Bittere vruchten werden vroeger gebruikt als alternatief voor hop voor de bereiding van bier.