Ampalaya or Goya, also known as Bitter Melon, is a vegetable commonly consumed in tropical countries. With a firm and bumpy outer surface, its flesh tastes like a cross between cucumber and under-ripened melon. While mainly consumed in tropical countries, Goya is a popular vegetable in Japan as well. Goya-Chanpuru, a traditional dish from Okinawa, consists of pork, egg and goya. While this unique vegetable tastes rather bitter at first, once you control this distinct taste, you are sure to become addicted.
While Goya is mainly grown tropical countries, it is a very versatile plant which can grow in North America. With a season spanning July to November, growing this unique vegetable is possible in most climates.