The Luffa plant, also called the vegetable sponge gourd, is a both fascinating and useful vegetable. Originally from South Asia, Luffa cylindrica has been cultivated for centuries and belongs to the gourd family, alongside watermelons, cucumbers, and pumpkins. Although they are more common in tropical regions, with a little extra care, they can also be grown in temperate regions with a short growing season like Manitoba. At The Leaf, we are currently growing a luffa in our Kitchen Garden. 

When it comes to consumption, luffa fruits can be cooked and eaten when they are small and taste similar to zucchini. However, it is more common to use the dry fruit as a sponge or loofah.

You might have seen these natural loofahs and assumed they are from the ocean, but they actually come from the fruits of vine-growing Luffa plants. Once the fruit dies out and the skin is peeled away, you are left with its fibrous interior, which can be used as a sponge. 

These natural sponges are a fabulous, sustainable alternative to plastic bath loofahs and kitchen scrubbers. If you are interested in an eco-friendly option, consider growing your own loofah in your garden next year!