Bitter Melon
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Sharply bitter, green, vegetal. The anti-fruit — all astringency and no sweetness.
- Type
- Accord
- Olfactive family
- Fruity
- Subfamily
- Green fruits
- Cluster
- Melon-like watery fruits
- Source
- fruit
- Chemical class
- complex natural
Scent
The Full Story
Did You Know?
Bitter melon is used in cooking and is also valued in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits, such as regulating blood sugar.
Extraction & Chemistry
Extraction method
Typically used in its natural fruit form or as an essential oil extracted from the fruit
- Formula
- N/A - natural fruit
- CAS
- 93333-80-3
- Botanical
- Momordica charantia
- Appearance
- Green warty oblong fruit; seed oil is a pale yellow liquid
- Odour strength
- Medium
- Synonyms
- BITTER GOURD BALSAM PEAR
No known restrictions
- Note
- Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) seed oil. Key compound: momordicin. Oil specific gravity ~0.920-0.940 @ 25 °C (est).
In Perfumery
In perfumery, bitter melon is often utilized as a heart note, giving refreshing and slightly bitter element that can complement sweeter or floral fragrances. It works with citrus notes, green accords, and even spicy elements that captures the essence of nature. The bitterness of bitter melon can enhance the freshness of a composition, making it particularly appealing in modern, clean fragrances designed for a contemporary audience. Perfumers appreciate the versatility of bitter melon, using it to add a layer of complexity and intrigue to their creations. Its profile allows for innovative interpretations, encouraging the exploration of new scent combinations and experiences. As the demand for particular and natural ingredients grows, bitter melon may find a more prominent place in the fragrance world, inspiring new olfactory journeys.