Home Grown Sponges

When you think of a loofah (the spelling usually used when  sold in stores, especially in the bath or beauty departments), you probably think of it as a product coming from the sea. It does resemble some kind of sea vegetable. But actually loofahs (aka the Latin spelling luffa) can be grown in your own back yard!

That’s what I discovered while gardening this year. Someone handed me some seeds they had saved from the year before and I thought I’d give them a try. After a rather long time to get established, but I tend to keep busy, so no problem, the luffa (my preferred Latin spelling used by growers) that got planted suddenly took off and the plants grew into thick, long vines with big flowers bees and other insects go crazy over. 

Here’s some photos of vines that are  growing, AFTER a major trimming back and in the afternoon when the flowers have shriveled quite a bit. 

The big gourd type fruits eventually turn brown and then you have yourself some sponges. With more seeds included, for next year. 

Yes, that’s part of a bird nest on the left side. The baby birds flew away last week, so now I can finally get in here again. 

I also have been experimenting with picking  the luffa smaller  to  cook in dahls snd subjis. Sometimes it’s been good and sometimes bitter or too spongey a texture to be palatable. And it doesn’t take long for them to turn so spongey they cannot be cut. 

The first time that happened I took off all the hard outer peel  with a paring knife and then discovered the next layer of vegetable matter came off easily, revealing the spongey skeleton inside. Next I washed and squeezed out the seeds and any remaining veggie flesh within. 

Keep in mind this is because the luffa was still green. The result was a nice light colored luffa, whereas even though if you wait for the luffa to turn brown and then the peel  will  come right off immediately , the sponge part inside tends to be brown. Some say they bleach it in that case, most likely for sales appeal, but I believe it’s fine either way.?

Later note: The newest discovery is that the luffas that turn brown first on the vine and then are peeled, aren’t always brown inside. They can have a nice cream color, too. More importantly, they are stiffer, fuller and sturdier. So from now on, I’ll harvest them for sponges only when fully mature with the crispy brown shell on the outside.

Plus I just noticed how the seeds easily fall out when fully dried. The more dry the better.

More information can be found on the web how to grow and harvest luffa and its uses. They are particularly helpful if you like dry brushing, which is often part of an Ayurvedic daily routine. I’ve yet to use  them in the kitchen as actual sponges . So we’ll see how that goes!

ADDENDUM 

They work great!