1. Picking Edible and Medicinal Plants: Exotic “Apples” and “Pears”
James H. Diaz, MD, DrPH 
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine 
Volume 27, Issue 1, Pages (March 2016)
DOI: /j.wem
Copyright © 2016 Wilderness Medical Society Terms and Conditions

2. Figure 1
The balsam apple, Momordica balsamina, produces bright reddish-orange fruits, or “apples,” that burst open when ripe, revealing inner pulp and red aril–covered seeds.
Source: Wikimedia Commons. Photographer: H. Zell.
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine  , DOI: ( /j.wem )
Copyright © 2016 Wilderness Medical Society Terms and Conditions

3. Figure 2
The balsam pear or bitter melon, Momordica charantia, produces an edible fruit, or “pear,” which is typically harvested for cooking while still green and unripe, rather than when yellow, ripe, and bursting to reveal its inner pulp and red aril–covered seeds.
Source: Wikimedia Commons. Photographer: H. Zell.
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine  , DOI: ( /j.wem )
Copyright © 2016 Wilderness Medical Society Terms and Conditions

4. Figure 3
Unripened and green balsam pears hanging on the vine and ready to be picked for preparation typically as stuffed vegetables or stir-fries.
Source: Wikimedia Commons. Photographer: Fred Hsu.
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine  , DOI: ( /j.wem )
Copyright © 2016 Wilderness Medical Society Terms and Conditions