Bitter melon, also known as bitter gourd or karela (in India), is a unique vegetable-fruit that can be used as food or medicine. It is the edible part of the plant Momordica Charantia, which is a vine of the Cucurbitaceae family and is considered the most bitter among all fruits and vegetables.
 
Shelf Life: 2-3 weeksBittergourd should be stored between 53-55 degrees F. (11-12 C.) at a fairly high humidity with a shelf life of 2-3 weeks. It is important to keep the bitter gourd fruit away from other ripening fruits to avoid hastening the ripening process.