여주의 수확시기별 기능성성분 함량 변화

Variation in Functional Component Levels in Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.) among Different Harvest Seasons

This study was conducted to investigate changes in the functional compounds in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.). Four treatments were used to analyze vitamin C, momordicin, K, Mg, and Ca compounds in Dragon bitter gourd on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days after pollination. According to the number of days after pollination, level of chemicals containing vitamin C in bitter gourd appeared to decrease continually after pollination, and was the highest, being 74.7 mg/100 g on the 7th day. The level of momordicin, an anti-diabetic was significantly higher in the 7th-day product than that of the 14th day;, meanwhile, there was no significant difference in Ca compounds. These phenomena are considered to fasten the stages of harvest for effective use of functional ingredients in bitter gourd fruits.