🌿 Vegetarian Product ✓ Non-GMO 🌱 Organic Available

Bitter gourd

Crisp, tender Bitter gourd in vibrant green, packed with phytonutrients and functional health benefits. Cold-chain maintained for export.

Commercial Trade Terms

Min. Order (MOQ)

500 Kg

HS Code

0704

Origin

India

Price Range

Price on Request

Export Documents

Certificate of Origin (APEDA)
Phytosanitary Certificate (PPQS)
Pesticide Residue / MRL Report
SGS / Bureau Veritas Pre-Shipment Inspection
Cold-Chain / Temperature Log
Commercial Invoice & Packing List
Bill of Lading

Available Bag Sizes

5 kg carton10 kg carton50 kg bulk bin

Available Bag Types

Ventilated corrugated fibreboard cartonPerforated film-lined cartonPlastic crateBulk processor bin

Product Overview

COMPREHENSIVE PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Premium export-grade Bitter gourd (Karela/Momordica charantia) harvested at optimal maturity (8-10 inches length, tender green stage) from India's premier cultivation zones in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. Our gourds are hand-harvested early morning, immediately cooled to 8-10°C, and packed within 4-6 hours to preserve crispness, vibrant green color, and nutritional integrity. Bitter gourd is a highly nutritious, functional vegetable renowned for its momordicine alkaloids, polyphenolic compounds, and potent anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties — positioning it as a superfood in global health-conscious markets. IndianXporter ensures every shipment meets stringent phytosanitary and food safety standards (APEDA, FSSAI, Global GAP, Phytosanitary Certificate) with comprehensive laboratory verification. Our processing facilities employ state-of-the-art sorting and grading technology. We fulfill bulk orders with highly competitive FOB and CIF pricing, supported by SGS third-party inspections.

BITTER GOURD CULTIVATION IN INDIA

India cultivates over 500,000 hectares of bitter gourd, producing 8-10 million metric tons annually across diverse agro-climatic zones. Prime cultivation regions include Madhya Pradesh (Indore, Ujjain districts), Gujarat (Saurashtra, Kutch regions), and Rajasthan (eastern zones). These regions provide ideal conditions — tropical to subtropical climate (25-35°C), moderate rainfall (600-1,000mm), well-drained soils, and 200-280 sunny days annually essential for vine development and fruiting. Bitter gourd vines are highly productive, yielding 25-35 metric tons per hectare annually, with multiple harvests possible throughout the growing season (April-November).

As a leading manufacturer and exporter in India, IndianXporter ensures that our Bitter gourd meets the stringent quality requirements of international markets. Our robust supply chain allows us to fulfill bulk orders consistently, offering highly competitive FOB and CIF pricing to our B2B partners worldwide.

Our processing facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, ensuring that every shipment of Bitter gourd is thoroughly sorted, cleaned, and graded. We adhere to global food safety and industrial standards, backed by third-party inspections from agencies like SGS upon buyer request.

What is Bitter gourd?

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), commonly known as Karela in Hindi or Bitter melon in English, is a tropical, vine-bearing plant producing elongated, ridged, green fruits prized for their distinctive bitter flavor and exceptional nutritional density. The immature, tender gourds (8-10 inches) are harvested while still vibrant green and are the preferred form for culinary use and export. Each fruit contains numerous flat seeds surrounded by pale green flesh and a thin, bumpy skin characteristic of the species.

Bitter gourd is a nutritional powerhouse — rich in vitamin C (80-90mg per 100g), vitamin A, folate, potassium, and bioactive compounds including momordicine alkaloids, polyphenolic compounds (quercetin, kaempferol), and charantin. These phytonutrients are extensively researched for anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant effects. In traditional medicine systems (Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine), bitter gourd is valued as a detoxifying, immune-enhancing superfood.

Globally, bitter gourd demand has surged with the functional food movement — premium retail positioning in natural foods stores, health-conscious restaurants, and wellness-focused food service. Asian diaspora communities (South Asian, Southeast Asian) maintain traditional consumption, while Western health-conscious consumers increasingly adopt bitter gourd for diabetes management, weight loss, and detoxification narratives.

Technical Specifications

Variety (Premium Export)	Long-slender green types (preferred for export); traditional medium-length cultivars available
Fruit Length	Premium Grade A: 8-10 inches; Grade B: 6-8 inches; tender young stage preferred
Fruit Diameter	1.5-2.0 inches (medium-slender; optimizes tenderness and market appeal)
Color	Vibrant dark green (no yellowing, browning, or over-maturity indicators)
Texture/Firmness	Crisp, firm; breaks cleanly; not soft, wilted, or waterlogged
Skin Condition	Bumpy/ridged, characteristic tubercles (not damaged); no cuts, bruises, or disease spots
Moisture Content	88-92% (fresh vegetable standard); crisp interior
Vitamin C Content	80-90mg per 100g fresh weight
Momordicine Alkaloid Content	0.03-0.08% (varies by cultivar and maturity; contributes to bitter taste and health benefits)
Bitterness Intensity	Young tender stage (8-10 inches harvest) minimizes bitterness; preferred for culinary acceptance
Shelf Life (Refrigerated 8-10°C, 90-95% RH)	7-10 days — maintains crispness and quality
Shelf Life (Ambient 20-25°C)	3-5 days — fruit softens and yellowing begins
Post-Harvest Treatment	Early-morning harvest; rapid cooling to 8-10°C within 2-4 hours; packed with perforated film to maintain humidity
Ideal Transit Temperature	8-10°C with 90-95% relative humidity in temperature-controlled reefer containers

Commercial Grades & Classification

Premium Grade A

Processing: Hand-sorted, washed, size-graded, perforated-film carton packed

Colour: Vibrant dark green, uniform

Use Case: Premium retail and natural-food stores in USA, EU, Australia

+25–35% over standard

Standard Export Grade

Processing: Graded, cleaned, carton packed

Colour: Green, minor size variation accepted

Use Case: Diaspora retail and wholesale in Middle East and South Asia

Base reference grade

Processing Grade

Processing: Bulk graded, minimal sorting

Colour: Mixed, slight size variation

Use Case: Bitter gourd powder, juice and nutraceutical extract

−30–40% below standard

Indicative FOB Pricing

Prices are indicative. Request a formal quote for contractual pricing.

Grade	FOB Price (USD/MT)	Notes
Premium Grade A	$1.40 – $2.20/kg	Premium retail — USA, EU, Australia (indicative Q1 2026)
Standard Export Grade	$0.90 – $1.40/kg	Gulf and South Asia diaspora wholesale (indicative Q1 2026)
Processing Grade	$0.50 – $0.80/kg	Powder, juice and extract use (indicative Q1 2026)

Price Influencing Factors

•Harvest volume in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan — monsoon and heat stress tighten supply
•Air freight vs reefer sea-freight cost — perishability pushes premium grades to air freight
•Pesticide MRL compliance — clean lots command a premium and avoid EU/US rejection discounts
•Asian diaspora festival demand cycles lifting bulk volume
•Functional-food / superfood positioning enabling premium markups over commodity vegetables
•USD/INR exchange rate — INR depreciation improves Indian FOB competitiveness

India vs China: Bitter gourd Comparison

India is the world's largest bitter gourd producer and exporter with strong diaspora trust and superior functional-food positioning, while China competes on volume and proximity to East/Southeast Asian markets.

Aspect	🇮🇳 India	🌏 China
Production Scale	8–10M MT/yr; world's largest producer	Large producer focused on domestic and regional supply
Export Share	65–75% of global export supply	Regional exporter to East/Southeast Asia
Cultivar Preference	Long-slender green types preferred for export	Lighter green and shorter cultivars common
Diaspora Trust	Strong loyalty among South Asian diaspora	Stronger pull in East Asian diaspora
FOB Price	$0.90–$2.20/kg by grade	Comparable but variable on residue compliance

Applications & End-Use Markets

🛒

Fresh Retail & Natural Foods

Premium Grade A bitter gourd positioned as a research-backed superfood in Whole Foods, specialty Asian markets and natural-food retail across USA, EU and Australia.

USAUKGermanyAustraliaCanada

🍲

Diaspora Cooking & Wholesale

Standard grade for South/Southeast Asian household cooking — curries, stir-fries and stuffed karela — sold through diaspora retail and Gulf wholesale.

UAESaudi ArabiaUKUSA

💊

Nutraceutical & Supplements

Processing-grade fruit dried and milled into bitter gourd powder, juice concentrate and charantin/momordicine extracts for diabetes-management supplements.

USAGermanyJapanUAE

🥤

Functional Beverages & Juices

Bitter gourd juice and blends in detox and wellness beverage lines targeting health-conscious consumers.

USAUKUAE

Global Trade Architecture

Primary Supply Origins

India

65–75% of global export supply

Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan drive year-round supply; premium long-slender cultivars.

China

Major regional producer

Supplies East and Southeast Asian markets primarily.

Thailand & Vietnam

Regional exporters

Serve Southeast Asian and proximate markets.

Key Consumption Nodes

USA & Canada

Highest-value market; premium superfood positioning plus large South Asian diaspora retail demand.

Europe — UK, Germany, Benelux

Growing functional-food adoption; EU MRL compliance is the decisive market-access factor.

Middle East — UAE, Saudi Arabia

Stable diaspora demand at wholesale price points.

Southeast Asia

Price-competitive, volume-stable traditional consumption market.

Market Intelligence

Bitter gourd has transitioned from a traditional South/Southeast Asian ingredient to a globally recognized functional superfood, driven by scientific research on anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties. The global bitter gourd market is valued at approximately $450-550 million annually, with India commanding 65-75% of export volume. Premium export positioning capitalizes on perceived health benefits — diabetes management, weight loss, immune support. Asian diaspora communities provide stable base demand, while Western natural products retailers increasingly position bitter gourd as a 'research-backed superfood.' Price premiums for certified organic, pesticide-free, and fair-trade varieties reflect growing consumer willingness to pay for health claims.

Market Size

Global bitter gourd trade: ~$450-550M; India's share: ~$280-350M annually (65-75% of global export supply)

Growth Rate

~9-12% CAGR — driven by functional food/superfood trend, diabetes epidemic awareness, scientific validation of health claims, and Western market penetration of functional vegetables

Core Demand Drivers

Diabetes epidemic and functional health positioning — WHO reports 422 million diabetics globally; bitter gourd's momordicine alkaloids and charantin show clinical efficacy in blood-sugar management; major demand driver in USA, Europe, Australia among health-conscious consumers
Functional superfood trend — positioning alongside superfruits (goji, acai, dragon fruit) in premium natural products retail; commands 2-4x markup over commodity vegetables
Asian diaspora consumption — 50+ million South Asian and Southeast Asian immigrants in USA, Canada, Australia, Europe maintain traditional bitter gourd consumption; reliable bulk demand
Research and scientific validation — peer-reviewed studies on anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects; medical practitioners recommending bitter gourd; building consumer confidence
Weight management and wellness trends — bitter gourd positioned in weight-loss, detoxification, and 'clean eating' narratives; used in organic juices, smoothies, and prepared meal services

Supply Dynamics

India's vast cultivation base (500,000+ hectares, 8-10 million metric tons annually) ensures consistent supply. Peak harvest (April-November) aligns with Northern Hemisphere demand seasons. Modern storage techniques (controlled-temperature facilities in production zones) enable extended supply windows. Unlike seasonal competitors, Indian bitter gourd exporters can fulfill orders 10-11 months annually. Compact vines and quick turnover (flowering to mature fruit in 60-70 days) allow staggered planting, creating year-round supply from multiple regions.

⚠ India Risk Factor

Pest pressures (fruit flies, whiteflies, spider mites) require intensive integrated pest management, especially for organic certification. Fungal diseases (powdery mildew, downy mildew) increase during monsoon season (June-August); preventive fungicide protocols essential. Oversupply in peak harvest months (May-July) can depress prices by 25-35% if export demand weakens. Climate volatility — excessive rainfall causes fruit abortion and disease; unseasonal heat stress reduces quality.

Future Outlook

Bitter gourd will expand beyond traditional ethnic markets into mainstream health-conscious consumer segments. Clinical evidence on anti-diabetic efficacy will drive pharmacy positioning and medical practitioner recommendations in developed markets. Organic, pesticide-free, and fair-trade certifications will capture 20-25% of premium export volume within 3-5 years. Value-added products (bitter gourd powder, juice concentrates, functional supplements) will drive higher-margin revenue streams. Direct-to-consumer platforms and e-commerce will enable premium branding, reducing middleman margins and supporting farmer sustainability. Climate resilience of bitter gourd (deep-rooted, efficient water use) will create ESG-focused market premiums.

HS / HSN Codes

Product Type	HS 6-Digit	ITC-HS 8-Digit	Description
Fresh Bitter Gourd	0709.99	07099990	Other fresh or chilled vegetables (bitter gourd / karela)

Certifications & Compliance Standards

Standard	Code / Reference	Note
APEDA Export Registration	APEDA Certificate	Mandatory for fresh vegetable exports; covers MRL and traceability
Phytosanitary Certification	IPPC / ISPM	Plant quarantine clearance required for USA, EU, Canada, Australia
Global GAP	GLOBALG.A.P. IFA	Good agricultural practice — valued by premium retail buyers
FSSAI	FSS Act 2006	Indian food safety registration for packhouse and handling
EU Pesticide MRL	Regulation EC 396/2005	Residue limits are the critical parameter for EU and UK market entry

Storage, Handling & Logistics

Shelf Life

7-10 days at 10-12°C with 90-95% relative humidity (refrigerated); 3-5 days at ambient 20-25°C; extends to 12-14 days with controlled-atmosphere storage (10°C, 90-95% RH, 5% CO2)

Storage Conditions

Ideal: 8-10°C with 90-95% relative humidity; avoid ethylene-producing fruits (mangoes, melons, peppers); maintain temperature consistency to prevent condensation and fungal growth

Container Type

Temperature-controlled reefer containers at 8-10°C with active humidity management (90-95% RH). Fruit packed in ventilated 5-10kg cartons with perforated plastic film wrap to maintain humidity and temperature consistency. Bulk 50kg bins for food-service and processing buyers.

Fumigation

Phytosanitary inspection required for most developed markets (USA, Canada, Australia, EU). Bitter gourd requires visual inspection for fruit flies and other quarantine pests. Thermal treatment (hot-water dip at 50°C for 10 minutes) available if thermal treatment required for specific markets; no harmful chemical fumigation needed.

Storage Advantage

Superior quality retention compared to other cucurbitaceae — bitter gourd's firm structure and low disease susceptibility enable week-long shipping to distant markets without quality loss. Cold-chain optimization essential.

Why Source Bitter gourd from India?

World's largest bitter gourd producer and exporter — 500,000+ hectares, 8-10 million metric tons annually; 65-75% of global export supply with established export infrastructure
Optimal growing conditions — tropical/subtropical climate zones (25-35°C), moderate rainfall (600-1,000mm), abundant sunshine (200-280 days/year) enable premium fruit development and consistent yields (25-35 metric tons/hectare)
Cost competitive — 40-50% lower FOB pricing than Southeast Asian competitors due to lower labor, land, and cultivation costs; efficient bulk supply chains reduce per-kg logistics costs
Superior quality and cultivar selection — Indian long-slender varieties (preferred for export) offer optimal tenderness and market appeal; systematic cultivation techniques ensure consistent crispness
Advanced post-harvest infrastructure — rapid cooling facilities, controlled-temperature storage networks, and optical sorting systems in production zones enable quality preservation and year-round supply
Functional/health positioning leadership — Indian exporters pioneer research-backed positioning as 'diabetes-management superfood' and 'antioxidant powerhouse'; market education drives premium pricing
Comprehensive certification ecosystem — APEDA, FSSAI, Global GAP, and organic certifications widely available; SGS pre-shipment inspection services established
High-volume reliability and flexibility — Indian exporters fulfill 25-500+ metric ton orders with flexible container options (full containers, LCL), reefer or standard dry containers

Request Bulk Quote

Industrial Usage

Bulk supply for various manufacturing, processing, and distribution sectors. High-purity technical grades available for industrial procurement and technical application.

Standard

Technical Grade

Supply

Bulk Only

Industrial Specs

Packaging & Logistics

Standard Packaging

Export Standard Cartons / Palletized

Private Label / OEM

Custom Packaging & OEM Support Available

Port of Loading

Nhava Sheva (Mumbai) or Mundra Port

Incoterms

FOB, CIF, CFR accepted

Global Export Reach for Bitter gourd

IndianXporter successfully exports Bitter gourd to major international markets. Click your region below to view destination-specific compliance and shipping details.

Bitter gourd Supplier to USA

Bitter gourd Supplier to UK

Bitter gourd Supplier to Germany

Bitter gourd Supplier to UAE

Bitter gourd Supplier to Saudi Arabia

Bitter gourd Supplier to Australia

Bitter gourd Supplier to Canada

Bitter gourd Supplier to Singapore

Bitter gourd Supplier to France

Bitter gourd Supplier to Japan

Industrial Application Verticals

Food & Beverage

Industrial Bitter gourd

Pharmaceutical

Industrial Bitter gourd

Cosmetics

Industrial Bitter gourd

Nutraceutical

Industrial Bitter gourd

Animal Feed

Industrial Bitter gourd

Manufacturing

Industrial Bitter gourd

B2B Solutions

Private Label Bitter gourd

Establish your own brand in the international market. We provide end-to-end custom white-label packaging and branding solutions for retail distribution. Get retail-ready Bitter gourd under your brand name with our expert OEM services.

Custom pouch, jar & bulk bag design
Multi-lingual labeling & regulatory compliance
FSSAI, ISO & FDA certified facilities
Flexible packaging sizes (100g to 50kg)

OEM Solutions

Retail Ready

From Design to Delivery

Export Markets

USA UAE Europe South East Asia Australia

We provide market-specific compliance documentation for each destination. Contact us for country-specific certifications.

Importing Bitter gourd: B2B FAQs

What is the lead time for a bulk order of Bitter gourd?

Our standard lead time for Bitter gourd is 7-14 business days from order confirmation to dispatch from an Indian port. For private label orders, allow an additional 5 days for packaging customization.

Can I request a sample of Bitter gourd before placing a full container order?

Yes, we provide 100g to 500g samples of Bitter gourd for quality validation. Sample costs are usually free, with the buyer covering international courier charges (DHL/FedEx).

Which Incoterms do you offer for Bitter gourd?

We primarily quote on FOB (Nhava Sheva/Mundra) or CIF (Destination Port) basis. We can also provide CFR and door-to-door DDP pricing for specific regions upon request.

What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for Bitter gourd?

Our standard MOQ for Bitter gourd is 500 Kg. However, we can accommodate smaller trial orders or mixed container shipments (LCL) for new B2B partners seeking to evaluate our quality.

Do you provide samples and laboratory reports for Bitter gourd?

Yes, we provide pre-shipment samples and comprehensive laboratory testing reports (including pesticide residues, heavy metals, microbiological analysis, and phytochemical composition) for Bitter gourd to ensure full compliance with your destination country's regulations.

What are the export logistics and lead times for bulk orders?

We primarily ship through Nhava Sheva (Mumbai) and Mundra ports using FOB, CIF, or CFR terms. Standard lead time for Bitter gourd is 15-25 business days from the receipt of the Advance Payment or confirmed L/C. Temperature-controlled reefer containers (8-10°C with 90-95% humidity) ensure quality preservation throughout transit.

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