Drawing Out Bitter Juices with Salt

The French term dégorger is often used for this process, which draws out the sometimes bitter juices from ingredients, usually vegetables such as eggplant, cucumber or bitter melon (a type of gourd).

1. Cut the vegetable in slices or chunks with a large sharp knife. Spread the pieces in a shallow dish and sprinkle evenly with salt. Note Drawing out the juices also helps firm up the texture of the vegetable so that it holds its shape.

   

2. After 15-30 minutes, the salt will have drawn out the juices. Transfer the vegetable pieces to a colander and rinse thoroughly. Dry on paper towels.