Bitter melon displays many variations in physical characteristics.
This description language aims to accurately and fully describe the physical properties of the product at any point in the production chain. Specifications and quality traits for most crops vary with regional parameters such as soil type, water, temperature and other climatic conditions. Cultivar selection, production practices, pest and diseases, harvesting methods, postharvest handling, storage and transportation are further factors that influence product quality parameters. The manual describes 12 quality parameters for bitter melon in English, Vietnamese and Chinese. Variations in the individual quality traits are presented in a series of colour photographs.