Technology Overview

Bitter melon or bitter gourd is a vegetable used in Asian countries and it gets more bitter as it ripens. Studies have shown that bitter melon has many health benefits and one of them is lowering blood sugar. This is because bitter melon has properties that act like insulin, which helps bring glucose into the cells for energy. There are at least 32 active chemicals that have been identified that are responsible for its anti-diabetic and anti-cancer effects. Despite the claim of many health benefits brought about by the bitter melon, it is not widely consumed by the people due to its bitterness.

This technology provides a solution to mask the bitter taste of bitter melon, making it more palatable for consumption. In addition, this technology also protects the melon from environment factors leading to increased stability and longer shelf life.

Technology Features, Specifications and Advantages

• Enhanced palatability – encapsulation can mask the bitter taste and smell
• Increased stability with longer shelf life– protection from environmental impacts (light, air, moisture).
• Delayed release – ensure slow release of extract over time to optimize sugar control
• Better handling – encapsulation will keep extract dry and easier to handle
• Eco-friendly and sustainable

Potential Applications

• Healthcare
• Health promoting industry
• Food industry

Market Trends and Opportunities:

The global health and wellness food market size is expected to grow and reach USD 235.94 million during 2020 – 2024, progressing at CAGR of over 8% during the forecast period1. Increasing adoption of healthy eating habits is one of the major factors propelling market growth.

1. Cision PR Newswire. Global Health and Wellness Food Market Size 2020-2024 | Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities and Threats | Technavio (2021) (https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-health-and-wellness-food-market-2020-2024--drivers-restraints-opportunities-and-threats--technavio-301287265.html)

Customer Benefit

Consumers who would like to get the nutritional benefits and have a convenient and palatable consumption on the go will get to enjoy this bitterless bitter melon ingredient.