9 Variety of Karela in India | Different Types of Karela

The bitter guard is considered a staple in Indian cuisines and offers several health benefits! Here are the best Variety of Karela in India!

What is Karela?

Native to the Indian continent, Karela is a kind of herbaceous vine that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. The fruits have an elongated shape, ridged skin, and bitter taste. Many dishes are made with karela in the country, and Bharwan Karela is one such dish that is famous across the nation. Apart from its various culinary uses, the vegetable also has a plethora of health benefits as well. They are a rich source of minerals and vitamins. The juice of raw karela is said to be beneficial in constipation, diabetes, eyesight, and weight loss. Let’s discuss some of the best Variety of Karela in India!

Botanical Name: Momordica charantia

Common Names:  Bitter gourd, bitter apple, Karela, Karelo, Karli, Korola, Kakara, Hagalakayi, Kalara, Pagarkay or Pavakay, Karel, Kaippaykka, Pavaykka

Karela Cultivation in India

Karela is an important vegetable in India and is extensively cultivated throughout the year. It also exports the same to many countries. Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat,  Orissa, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam are the major karela producing states in India. Out of which Chhattisgarh produces the maximum amount of produce in the country.

Varieties of Karela in India

There are many varieties of karela found and cultivated across the country. But only a few are preferred when it comes to commercial cultivation. The following section will discuss the names and features of some of the best and famous karela types in the country.

1. Pusa Do Mausami

This variety is suitable to grow in all the seasons; spring, summer, and winter. These fruits are 15-18 cm long and have 8-10 ridges with a medium thickness. They are ready to harvest in about 45-55 days from the date plantation.

2. Coimbatore Long

Its fruits are very tender, long, and have light-green color. The Agricultural research institute first introduced the variety in Coimbatore. Moreover, when it comes to commercial cultivation, it produces substantial crop yields. It is one of the best variety of karela in India!

3. Arka Harit

It was introduced by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore. This variety is famous for its glossy, dark green, and attractive fruits that are spindle-like in shape. Besides that, these fruits of this variety are ready for cultivation in around 100-110 days from the date of transplantation.

4. Pusa Vishesh

Another cultivar of karela with shiny, thick fruits and average height. IARI, Delhi introduced this variety. Its fruits are ready for harvesting in 55-60 days. This variety is an ideal choice for growing in the Northern plains in spring and summer seasons.

5. VK1 (Priya)

It is a high yielding variety that produces, on average, around 50-55 fruits per plant. The shiny green fruits of this variety are extra-long and go up to 30-40 cms in length.

6. MDU.1

The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University introduced MDU.1 with green-white fruits in color. Each fruit weighs around 200-400 grams. They are quite big and can grow up to 40 cm in length. The average production of the variety goes 30-35 tonnes per hectare.

7. COBgH 1

The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University also introduces this variety. It is an F1 hybrid that was developed by the cross between MDU1 and MC84. The fruits are thick and weigh around 200-300 grams. The variety produces its first yield in 110-120 days from the transplantation and the average yield of 35-40 tonnes per hectare.

8. Preethi (MC 4)

Each fruit of this variety is around 3oo- 400 grams in weight. It is one of the famous varieties of the karela in India and an excellent yielding cultivar with an average production of 10-15 tonnes per hectare.

9. Priyanka

The fruits of this variety have fewer seeds and thick flesh with a spindle-like shape. These fruits are 20- 25cm long and weigh around 200-300 grams. The average one-time production of the variety is about 20-25 tonnes per hectare.