If the core of a bitter melon turns red, can you still eat it?

When the core of a bitter melon turns red, it is still edible, but such a bitter melon will be worse in texture, nutritional value and flavor, so it is generally not recommended to eat it. Then why does it turn red?

Why does bitter melon turn red?

Because if bitter melon is left for a long time, it will gradually produce ethylene, which has a very noticeable ripening effect, and a fully ripe bitter melon will turn red. Moreover, after bitter melon turns red, it will split open and the seeds inside will be exposed, which is what attracts animals to come and eat it. This is also a method in plant competition; after animals eat it, it helps spread the bitter melon seeds and genes, so that bitter melon can continue to exist in this world.

In addition, when bitter melon is young and tender, its seeds are soft, and both the inside and the outer skin are green. But if it turns red, it means it is fully ripe, and the membrane on the surface of the seeds inside has turned red or light red, which means the bitter melon is already a bit old and is no longer suitable to eat.