Luffa

When allowed to dry, the fibrous interior of the gourd makes excellent, durable sponges. Perfect as a bath sponge, in your kitchen sink, or as a scrubber. Luffas need a long rowing season of at least 90 days to mature.

Culture - Seed should be planted in early spring after all danger of frost. Plant in hills 3 feet apart in rows at least 4 feet apart. For maximum production, the plants should be trellised. Cultural requirements are the same as members of the cucurbit family. When in doubt as to when to plant or harvest, contact your local agricultural extension office. Fruit for consumption as a vegetable will be ready to harvest in about 100 days. Allow another 30 days for the fruit to fully mature if it is to be used as a gourd or as a dishcloth.

Availability - Up to now, the Luffa is grown only as a garden item in the U.S.. However, recent articles in health and fashion publications encouraging the use of the "dishrag" as a beauty aid may encourage additional production in the near future. The sponges are very versatile in that they can be used for bathing, washing dishes or scrubbing. The Loofah is widely used for bathing to invigorate the skin as well as gift giving and crafts. It is a very fast growing annual that produce vines up to twelve feet or more. I have seen them grow over 20 ft. high in trees and produce dozens of gourds per plant.

Selection - Fruit should be six to eight inches in length and tender if it is to be used as a vegetable. Completely dried fruits are desirable if the spongy inside is to be removed and utilized.

Storage For Personal Use - When fully matured, you can peel off the dried and crisp outer shell to expose the fibrous sponge. To clean your Loofah you wash it in clean water and then soak it in a solution of bleach (not a lot of bleach, and not for days, just long enough for luffa to turn a shade or two lighter than it already is) and water and allow to dry in the sun. Loofah sponges will last a long time if washed and allowed to dry after each use.

Please note: Although no reactions have been documented, folks with food allergies need to consult a doctor before eating luffas.

Storage For Consumption -Fresh fruit can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks if kept under cool, humid conditions. Dried fruit can be kept indefinitely.

Nutrition Information - The Luffa is low in calories. A 3 ounce serving contains only 20 calories and 20 percent of the RDA for vitamin C.

Also known as the Mini Luffa, or Hedgehog Gourd. A close relative to the Cylindrica and will keep for several months. Small gourds, striped and spiny, orange skin with a very fine green flesh, mixes well with other gourds. Fruits Approx 2 inches x 2 inches.