How Do You Spell KARELA?

Pronunciation: [kˈe͡ələ] (IPA)

Karela is a popular vegetable often used in Indian cuisine. The word is pronounced as /kəˈreɪlə/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet. The spelling of Karela follows English spelling conventions but does not necessarily reflect the original pronunciation in the source language, Hindi. The phonetic transcription shows that the stress falls on the second syllable (/reɪ/), and the final vowel (/ə/) is pronounced with a schwa sound, which is common in English. Overall, the spelling of Karela is consistent with English pronunciation rules.

KARELA Meaning and Definition

1. Karela is a noun that refers to a bitter melon or bitter gourd, specifically the fruit of the Momordica charantia plant. It is a widely consumed vegetable in many Asian and African countries, known for its distinct bitter taste and numerous health benefits. The term "karela" is primarily used in India and the surrounding regions.

   The karela fruit is elongated, rough on the surface, and green in color, growing up to 20 cm in length. It belongs to the cucumber family, Cucurbitaceae. Despite its bitterness, karela has gained popularity for its potent medicinal properties, particularly in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda.

   Karela is rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like iron and potassium. It is also a good source of dietary fiber. The bitter taste of karela is attributed to compounds called momordicin and charantin, which are believed to have hypoglycemic and antiviral properties. Consequently, karela is often recommended for managing diabetes, promoting digestion, and boosting immunity.

   In culinary applications, karela is commonly used in various dishes due to its unique flavor and texture. It is often sliced, deseeded, and then stir-fried, sautéed, or cooked with other ingredients to reduce its bitterness. In some cultures, it is also pickled or used to prepare teas and juices. Karela is widely recognized for both its nutritional value and the acquired taste it offers to culinary recipes.

Common Misspellings for KARELA

• kafela

Etymology of KARELA

The word "Karela" is derived from Hindi, which is the primary language of India. In Hindi, it is करेला (pronounced kəˈreːlə). The term is borrowed from the Sanskrit word "karavellaka", which is the botanical name for the bitter gourd, a tropical vine-like vegetable. The word "karela" specifically refers to this vegetable in Hindi and various other languages used in India.