Fruit VegetablesIntermediate
Loofah
Luffa aegyptiaca
Scientific Name
Luffa aegyptiaca
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Origin
South and Southeast Asia
Type
Annual climbing vine
60-80 days (young), 150+ days (sponge)
Culinary Uses
Flavor: Mild, slightly sweet, similar to zucchini
- Stir-fried when young and tender
- Added to soups and curries
- Steamed as vegetable
- Similar preparation to zucchini
- Popular in Asian cuisines
Planting Calendar
Sow Indoors
MarchApril
Sow Outdoors
MayJune
Harvest
AugustSeptemberOctober
Health Benefits
- Young fruits aid digestion
- Traditional remedy for skin conditions
- May help lower blood sugar
- Contains antioxidants
- Dried sponge used for circulation when scrubbing