Luffa is a genus of tropical and subtropical vines in the cucumber family. It is also known as sponge gourd, ridged gourd or Chinese okra depending on the variety. Some types of luffa are edible while others are used as scrubbing sponges.

Where is luffa native to?

Luffa is believed to be native to South and Southeast Asia.

How is luffa used in cooking?

The young fruits of edible variety of luffa can be cooked and used in a variety of dishes like stir-fry, soups, and stews. Matured luffa is typically bitter and not ideal for cooking.

Can you eat luffa raw?

No, luffa is typically not eaten raw. It needs to be cooked before eating.

How is the sponge-like texture of luffa achieved?

The sponge-like texture of a luffa is achieved when the fruit is allowed to mature and dry out completely. The skin and seeds are removed to reveal the fibrous interior.

Is luffa a fruit or a vegetable?

Botanically, luffa is a fruit since it develops from the flower's ovary and contains seeds. However, in culinary contexts, it's considered a vegetable.

Luffa plants require a long, warm growing season. They are typically grown from seeds in a well-draining soil with a lot of sunlight.

What are the health benefits of luffa?

Luffa is rich in dietary fibers, vitamins, and minerals. It's been associated with several health benefits, including promoting digestion, boosting immunity, and improving skin health.

Does luffa have any side effects?

Luffa is generally safe to consume. However, eating large quantities might cause stomach upset in some people. As with any food, it's best to consume in moderation.

Can you eat the seeds of luffa?

The seeds of young, tender luffa can be cooked and eaten. But mature luffa seeds are usually tough and not enjoyable to eat.

Can you use a luffa sponge for dishes?

Yes, a fully matured and dried luffa sponge can be used as a natural alternative for cleaning dishes, pots, and pans.

Where can I buy luffa?

You can buy it at Weee! Asian Market, www.sayweee.com.

Can luffa survive a frost?

No, luffa is a frost-sensitive plant. They usually die back at the first sign of frost.

What does luffa taste like?

Young luffa has a mild, sweet, and slightly nutty taste, similar to zucchini or cucumbers.

Is luffa easy to digest?

Yes, luffa is relatively easy to digest due to its high fiber content.

Is luffa eco-friendly?

Yes, luffa is considered eco-friendly. The fruit is a renewable resource, and the sponges are compostable and biodegradable.

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Where to buy luffa near me?

*Orders above $35, varies by region

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Top 5 products for Luffa

#1

Taiwan Loofah 3 lb

$8.09 - $11.99

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Thuy TB
Very fresh and sweet after cooked
bm825
Big and fresh!
Wei Du
This one is too old to eat.
Catrick
Three loofahs, one small and two large, they were quite fresh, I would buy them again.
IrisChang
The loofah is tender and green, and has a sweet taste. Taiwanese loofah is still the best!
weee.18003092
Three fresh, plump vegetables—perfect for summer.
weee.11751973
This loofah is so long, but it feels soft to the touch. I don't know if it's spoiled; I'll have to open it up to find out.
Cxchenxu
I thought such a thick loofah wouldn't be good, but it's quite nice when you cut it open. Don't judge a book by its cover.
Tahoe
Three plump and heavy fresh loofahs arrived in one serving, how adorable!

#2

Sweet Luffa Gourd 2.8-3 lb

This product offers a delicious addition to various Asian entrees like stir-fries and soups. Luffa Gourd is a key ingredient in diverse recipes that boast a delicate, slightly sweet flavor and a crunch. Its healthful benefits include low calories, rich in fiber and vitamin A. It is fresh and not frozen, guaranteeing superior taste and texture. Ideal for lovers of Asian cuisine and those seeking beneficial, nutritional choices in their diet. Great for vegan and gluten-free meals as well.

$8.99 - $10.49

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海之音
The loofahs are fresh today, with a sweet and refreshing taste; they're very good.
elsie0117
This is a very high-quality loofah, with no coarse seeds and no black spots! I'll cut it up first and stir-fry it later; it should be a delicious and sweet loofah!
weeeare
Fresh and beautiful vegetable leaves, and the price is reasonable.
Nguyễn
Crisp and sweet!
Phuong
The inside are bruised and rotton
weee.10465267
This loofah is great, very fresh. It's the best I've ever bought.
mamamia
More than half of them have such cavities, and they are very old.
Sharon
Very fresh and sweet, I will buy it again.
Jennie?
Fresh and sweet! Seasonal vegetables, I would buy them again.
weee.7416894
It's very fresh and sweet and won't turn black. This is the best loofah ever!

#3

Green Apple Luffa 2.8-3 lb

Fresh, firm sponge gourd perfect for stir‑fry, hot‑pot or soups. Its mild, slightly sweet taste soaks up sauces, delivering low‑calorie, fiber‑rich nutrition and crisp texture. Ideal for Asian dishes like Thai green curry or Chinese stir‑fried luffa.

$8.09 - $10.49

Shop now

pchen9287
The first purchase looks pretty good.
酒酿冬菜
The loofahs were incredibly fresh this time! Finally! I'm so touched I could cry.
Nicknemm
fresh and tender, good for soups with mushrooms
Emily Liu
The loofah was very fresh; it was simply stir-fried and seasoned.
Wang
Our family's favorite... let's make stir-fried clams.
邵冰
The loofah was very fresh, not at all old. The tomato, loofah, and fish fillet soup used all its ingredients from Weee!
CortCort
This is my first time buying this variety. It's fresh and delicious, and the soup I made with it is clear, sweet, and flavorful!
安蓝
Loofah has a sweet and mild flavor and a gentle nature, which can relieve dryness in the summer heat, making it an essential vegetable on the summer table.
AKA煤气罐
They look very fresh. I haven't bought loofah from Weee in a long time; I hope they can keep it that way.

#4

Taiwan Apple Loofah 2.4-3 lb

This loofah from Taiwan is an excellent gourd with a tender, sweet flavor, perfect for Asian dishes. Often used in soups, stir-fries, or even stews, it's packed with fiber and vitamin A. Its natural slight saltiness can easily blend with other tastes. Being a low-calorie vegetable, it promotes healthy diet, aids digestion, and boosts skin health.

$8.54 - $10.49

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yi.shiuan.d
Three loofahs arrived, each about the size of an apple; just enough for one meal.
Melody Peng
This loofah is very fresh, and the texture and taste are both excellent! It's a bit pricey, but I think it's well worth it. It has a strong Taiwanese flavor.
Li-Xuan
Taiwanese apple loofah is delicious!
Haley
It smells delicious and didn't turn black immediately. It's tasty!
guoing
Apple-flavored loofah is sweet and delicious, catering to the tastes of people in southern China. A variety I would definitely buy again!
Zih Huei
I'm so grateful to Wee! The loofahs I bought from the convenience store so many times before were always bitter. This time I tried the apple loofah, and it was sweet, fragrant, tender, and juicy! My husband, who was eating loofah for the first time, raved about it!
weee.7221935
I've already peeled three scallops together, leaving one uncut and ready to freeze; I'll cook the scallops with cucumber once the new order arrives.
維尼兒
It's about the size of a fist, and I got three tiny ones. This is my first time buying them, just trying them out.
melodywang1101
The loofahs are quite large, sweet, and delicious.
Tahoe
Three plump, short loofahs arrived. They looked quite fresh.

#5

Moap Patora Squash

Perfect for Luffa lovers, this fresh squash is crisp, mildly sweet and ideal for Thai curries, Vietnamese stir‑fries, or Indian dal. Rich in fiber, low‑calorie and packed with vitamins, it supports digestion and weight control. Use it in Luffa recipes for a healthy boost.

$6.29 - $11.99

Shop now

Katherine
First time order. Hopefully it’ll very good to eat it
Jenny88077
My first purchase was delicious! I'll definitely buy it again!
MMWL
Very fresh, not bitter, and delicious loofah!
HXF
The loofah is delicious; I've bought it many times.
晨晨
The loofah wasn't fresh; it turned black when I cut it, and it got even blacker after cooking, so I threw it all away.
Huyen Dao
Fresh and delicious loofah
lina80924
There were five loofahs in total, and they had a very refreshing taste.
Kim
Very fresh. It's time for crab soup with jute leaves and loofah.
loveconan1625
I've bought loofah many times; it's delicious with noodles and also great in hot pot.
weee.13409207
I finally received the beautiful loofah; I wonder what it will look like when I cut it open.

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Frequently asked questions

What is luffa?
Luffa is a genus of tropical and subtropical vines in the cucumber family. It is also known as sponge gourd, ridged gourd or Chinese okra depending on the variety. Some types of luffa are edible while others are used as scrubbing sponges.
How is luffa used in cooking?
The young fruits of edible variety of luffa can be cooked and used in a variety of dishes like stir-fry, soups, and stews. Matured luffa is typically bitter and not ideal for cooking.
How is the sponge-like texture of luffa achieved?
The sponge-like texture of a luffa is achieved when the fruit is allowed to mature and dry out completely. The skin and seeds are removed to reveal the fibrous interior.
How to grow luffa?
Luffa plants require a long, warm growing season. They are typically grown from seeds in a well-draining soil with a lot of sunlight.
Does luffa have any side effects?
Luffa is generally safe to consume. However, eating large quantities might cause stomach upset in some people. As with any food, it's best to consume in moderation.
Can you use a luffa sponge for dishes?
Yes, a fully matured and dried luffa sponge can be used as a natural alternative for cleaning dishes, pots, and pans.
Can luffa survive a frost?
No, luffa is a frost-sensitive plant. They usually die back at the first sign of frost.
Is luffa easy to digest?
Yes, luffa is relatively easy to digest due to its high fiber content.

Where is luffa native to?
Luffa is believed to be native to South and Southeast Asia.
Can you eat luffa raw?
No, luffa is typically not eaten raw. It needs to be cooked before eating.
Is luffa a fruit or a vegetable?
Botanically, luffa is a fruit since it develops from the flower's ovary and contains seeds. However, in culinary contexts, it's considered a vegetable.
What are the health benefits of luffa?
Luffa is rich in dietary fibers, vitamins, and minerals. It's been associated with several health benefits, including promoting digestion, boosting immunity, and improving skin health.
Can you eat the seeds of luffa?
The seeds of young, tender luffa can be cooked and eaten. But mature luffa seeds are usually tough and not enjoyable to eat.
Where can I buy luffa?
You can buy it at Weee! Asian Market, www.sayweee.com.
What does luffa taste like?
Young luffa has a mild, sweet, and slightly nutty taste, similar to zucchini or cucumbers.
Is luffa eco-friendly?
Yes, luffa is considered eco-friendly. The fruit is a renewable resource, and the sponges are compostable and biodegradable.

Thuy TB
Very fresh and sweet after cooked
bm825
Big and fresh!
Wei Du
This one is too old to eat.
Catrick
Three loofahs, one small and two large, they were quite fresh, I would buy them again.
IrisChang
The loofah is tender and green, and has a sweet taste. Taiwanese loofah is still the best!
weee.18003092
Three fresh, plump vegetables—perfect for summer.
weee.11751973
This loofah is so long, but it feels soft to the touch. I don't know if it's spoiled; I'll have to open it up to find out.
Cxchenxu
I thought such a thick loofah wouldn't be good, but it's quite nice when you cut it open. Don't judge a book by its cover.
Tahoe
Three plump and heavy fresh loofahs arrived in one serving, how adorable!
海之音
The loofahs are fresh today, with a sweet and refreshing taste; they're very good.
pchen9287
The first purchase looks pretty good.
酒酿冬菜
The loofahs were incredibly fresh this time! Finally! I'm so touched I could cry.
Nicknemm
fresh and tender, good for soups with mushrooms
Emily Liu
The loofah was very fresh; it was simply stir-fried and seasoned.
Wang
Our family's favorite... let's make stir-fried clams.
邵冰
The loofah was very fresh, not at all old. The tomato, loofah, and fish fillet soup used all its ingredients from Weee!
CortCort
This is my first time buying this variety. It's fresh and delicious, and the soup I made with it is clear, sweet, and flavorful!
安蓝
Loofah has a sweet and mild flavor and a gentle nature, which can relieve dryness in the summer heat, making it an essential vegetable on the summer table.
AKA煤气罐
They look very fresh. I haven't bought loofah from Weee in a long time; I hope they can keep it that way.
yi.shiuan.d
Three loofahs arrived, each about the size of an apple; just enough for one meal.
Katherine
First time order. Hopefully it’ll very good to eat it
Jenny88077
My first purchase was delicious! I'll definitely buy it again!
MMWL
Very fresh, not bitter, and delicious loofah!
HXF
The loofah is delicious; I've bought it many times.
晨晨
The loofah wasn't fresh; it turned black when I cut it, and it got even blacker after cooking, so I threw it all away.
Huyen Dao
Fresh and delicious loofah
lina80924
There were five loofahs in total, and they had a very refreshing taste.
Kim
Very fresh. It's time for crab soup with jute leaves and loofah.
loveconan1625
I've bought loofah many times; it's delicious with noodles and also great in hot pot.
weee.13409207
I finally received the beautiful loofah; I wonder what it will look like when I cut it open.
yuktashah13
Fresh and tasted good
Sana
Looks good!
weee.14080087
Its broken!!
dr.debaratibyabartta
Second purchase, I like it.
TChau
fresh, can't wait to cook this weekend
ElizabethSuarez
Very good product.
shetekavita
Exactly as shown and good quality
jujugirl
The loofah was of good quality, but it was too thin; there wasn't much left after cutting it.
weee.16285317
Fresh and very good quality!
Gala
I ordered this patola, a type of squash from Weee. They were 6 pcs but I had used 3 of them when I cooked chopsuey last week. This is Indian patola. I prefer the Chinese patola, although its rough outside when you peel off the skin, its the same as those but it is tastier. I will saute them in garlic, onions and tomatoes. Add a little water then season with soy sauce. You may also cook these with misua then it will be a soup.