An edible Japanese ornamental bitter melon, also known as a balsam pear, originating from the island of Okinawa where it is prized for its health and medicinal use amongst the longest-lived people on Earth. These stunningly white elongated ridged fruit can grow to 10 inches long. Rich in Iron, calcium, and vitamins C & B, it also contains quinine which is where the slight bitterness comes from. When the fruit is still firm and ripe its used primarily for soups cut thick or shaved thin in omelets or eating fresh. As the flesh fully ripens to a slight yellow color the seed sacks inside become a cherry red and tastes almost as sweet.