What is the Red Stuff in the Bitter Melon?

In this photo, the insides have just begun to redden and sweeten. In another week or two, all the white pith will change into the red goopy treat that you can eat like cool, sweet, fruit!

Have you ever cut into a bitter melon and found bright red goop inside?  Yes, it is edible!

The bitter melon is nicknamed "magic melon" because of numerous health benefits (see last week's post), but I think the transformation that happens inside as the fruit matures is also a bit magical.  As you may know, the usable part of the bitter melon is the green, bumpy outside part.  See the spongy white part inside? We scoop it out and discard it.  However, as the melon matures, the spongy white stuff turns into goopy red stuff and here's the best part - it's sweet!  

It's always a fun surprise to cut open a bitter melon to find the insides have begun to turn red.  The texture is a bit like roasted red pepper and it is sweet and edible. Just be sure to spit out the seeds when enjoying this little treat!