Hi Tarev,
We grew up eating bitter melon, but it is definitely an acquired taste. My DH loves it and can't get enough of it. My mom grows them and I've grown them and will sow seeds this spring. My neighbor is from India and I've gotten seeds of the Indian bitter melon from her.
My dad stir-fry the melon with sliced chicken or any meat, onions, with blackbean sauce. That's our favorite way to cook them. I have friends from the Philippines at church and I'll have to ask them how they cook these.
I've not eaten the leaves or make a drink from them. Let me know what other recipes you come up with.
