LUFFA

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Luffa the sponge you can eat

Luffa is a fast-growing, long-season, warm-climate vine plant that can climb up to 15 feet high. The fruit is edible only when immature and is cooked like zucchini The matured fruit forms sponge-like fibers inside.

After the fruit matured, dried, skin and seeds removed/cleaned, fibers are often used as scrubbers, cleaning pads or bath sponges.Thus, this vegetable is also called Dish Cloth Luffa.

There are several types of Luffa grown in the Orient.

  • Luffa fruits with smooth skin and ridged skin are widely grown in Asia for eating and cooking, as well as for dish cloth uses.
  • Edible Luffa, Southern Winner Popular also there are edible luffa in China and Asia. This variety grows vigorously in warm climates and is very prolific.

    Young fruits are good for cooking and the long matured fruits are very popular for making the dish cloth sponges. For the best straight fruits, grow the plants along trellis or supports.