Um...it is an acquired taste, yes bitter/astringent in a veggie way. I would slice like a cucumber and take out the seeds. Maybe stir fry 3-4 slim slices with the rest of food. I would add mushrooms, slice red pepper. Of course, I have no clue what your recipe is. Make sure you have rice or pasta.
Let us know. Be more conservative in the amount your prepare for a dish in 1 supper sitting.
I'm trying to think of comparable food taste...and I can't.
I do buy it fresh 2-3 times per year.