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 - $12.99

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It was a little dark, so I threw some away, but overall it was very good and quite sweet.
酒酿冬菜Wy
I had to remove half of what I received and this is not acceptable for the high price that this was sold for
weee.11375004
The loofahs I bought this time were super good and very fresh.
nancy
The gourds are all spoiled.
weee.14836109
great value
Simone
Stir-fried loofah with edamame is pretty good!
仓鼠丘丘
Routine restocking, product availability, and delivery are all normal.
Laura Huang
I like it as always; it's very fresh.
wendy
Three large and plump fruits, perfect for various dishes.
weee.15525127

#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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More than half of them have such cavities, and they are very old.
mamamia
Very fresh and sweet, I will buy it again.
Sharon
Fresh and sweet! Seasonal vegetables, I would buy them again.
Jennie?
It's very fresh and sweet and won't turn black. This is the best loofah ever!
weee.7416894
The loofah, with its sweet taste, is suitable for stir-frying and ironing.
xiansmiling
The loofah is so juicy and delicious! It's very similar to the ones from Taiwan.
pinrusu
It's delicious stir-fried with beef stew!
weee.12183525
The loofahs are very tender, one large and one medium-sized, and of excellent quality!
caruso1010
very large fruit
Dai

#3

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.

$8.09 - $10.49

Shop now

Sweet and refreshing, not bitter at all. Delicious!
*Peace & Love*
Expensive!!! Everything is expensive!
Julia Chang
Easy to peel, won't turn black, has a sweet taste, and can be stir-fried or cooked with clams.
sophia
Not bad, not bad, great, finally I got to eat loofah.
mmhihihi
I wanted to buy Moap squash and checked Weee three times, but it’s always out of stock. So, I bought Taiwan Apple loofah instead. Weee gave me four. I peeled them, added some garlic, and fried them. They are as delicious as moap squash. They are even cheaper.
libi6688
The loofah I received was very fresh, sweet and delicious.
Dragonjl
There are three Taiwanese apple-shaped loofahs! I hope to finish them within a week.
weee.7246235
It's loofah season! I love apple loofah the most, it's so delicious.
Pinkine
The apple-shaped loofahs that came this time were smaller than the ones from last time.
weee.12223979
Very tender and high-quality apple loofah
latapopo

#4

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 - $9.49

Shop now

They look very fresh. I haven't bought loofah from Weee in a long time; I hope they can keep it that way.
AKA煤气罐
Loofah is great for soups or stir-fries; it's cooling and helps to reduce internal heat.
zhangh2024
This loofah is huge! I wonder if it's old?
weee.7697075
Cooked loofah is extremely bitter because it contains cucurbitacin, a toxic substance that is inedible!
Melody
So old, so old, you've turned into a loofah spirit!
mamamia
This is my first time buying green apple loofah. Although it has a few spots, it's still very fresh and should taste good.
Mama
I bought it based on the reviews. This time it was especially good, very fresh and sweet.
Julie Z.
The melon is tender, fresh and convenient
*Peace & Love*
Very fresh and cute, can be used for stewing soup or cooking
Effie菲
Bought it during a special price. It's not big but very sweet and delicious. It's great when simmered with shrimp or clams.
Alisia

#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 - $12.49

Shop now

The loofahs this time were very fresh, with no earthy taste at all, and they were very sweet whether stir-fried or used in soup.
Fl0415
I received four loofahs, each wrapped in paper. Although they had some slight bruising on the outside, it didn't affect their freshness. I cooked them immediately after receiving them, and the loofahs were very tender and delicious when stir-fried.
RuRu
The loofahs are large and look very fresh—the quality is excellent!
loveconan1625
It's the season for loofah, and it's very fresh.
lina80924
The loofah is delicious, I buy it every week.
Adigo lee
This one is tastier and sweeter than the other items.
weeeare
On a hot day, buying some water melons to make soup is perfect.
?Rong
The watermelon was very fresh the first time I bought it, and the weight was just right. The loofah was delicious.
小溪
They were all wrapped up; you had to unwrap them one by one to see if there was any damage.
pchen9287
A little rotten but still okay; the loofah was good, but I didn't cook it properly and it all turned black
Haley

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Very good prices, delivery on times of any time I ordered . Good service. Good product. You can find anything's on Weee!

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Apr. 2024

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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.

It was a little dark, so I threw some away, but overall it was very good and quite sweet.
酒酿冬菜Wy
I had to remove half of what I received and this is not acceptable for the high price that this was sold for
weee.11375004
The loofahs I bought this time were super good and very fresh.
nancy
The gourds are all spoiled.
weee.14836109
great value
Simone
Stir-fried loofah with edamame is pretty good!
仓鼠丘丘
Routine restocking, product availability, and delivery are all normal.
Laura Huang
I like it as always; it's very fresh.
wendy
Three large and plump fruits, perfect for various dishes.
weee.15525127
More than half of them have such cavities, and they are very old.
mamamia
Sweet and refreshing, not bitter at all. Delicious!
*Peace & Love*
Expensive!!! Everything is expensive!
Julia Chang
Easy to peel, won't turn black, has a sweet taste, and can be stir-fried or cooked with clams.
sophia
Not bad, not bad, great, finally I got to eat loofah.
mmhihihi
I wanted to buy Moap squash and checked Weee three times, but it’s always out of stock. So, I bought Taiwan Apple loofah instead. Weee gave me four. I peeled them, added some garlic, and fried them. They are as delicious as moap squash. They are even cheaper.
libi6688
The loofah I received was very fresh, sweet and delicious.
Dragonjl
There are three Taiwanese apple-shaped loofahs! I hope to finish them within a week.
weee.7246235
It's loofah season! I love apple loofah the most, it's so delicious.
Pinkine
The apple-shaped loofahs that came this time were smaller than the ones from last time.
weee.12223979
Very tender and high-quality apple loofah
latapopo
They look very fresh. I haven't bought loofah from Weee in a long time; I hope they can keep it that way.
AKA煤气罐
Loofah is great for soups or stir-fries; it's cooling and helps to reduce internal heat.
zhangh2024
This loofah is huge! I wonder if it's old?
weee.7697075
Cooked loofah is extremely bitter because it contains cucurbitacin, a toxic substance that is inedible!
Melody
So old, so old, you've turned into a loofah spirit!
mamamia
This is my first time buying green apple loofah. Although it has a few spots, it's still very fresh and should taste good.
Mama
I bought it based on the reviews. This time it was especially good, very fresh and sweet.
Julie Z.
The melon is tender, fresh and convenient
*Peace & Love*
Very fresh and cute, can be used for stewing soup or cooking
Effie菲
Bought it during a special price. It's not big but very sweet and delicious. It's great when simmered with shrimp or clams.
Alisia
The loofahs this time were very fresh, with no earthy taste at all, and they were very sweet whether stir-fried or used in soup.
Fl0415
I received four loofahs, each wrapped in paper. Although they had some slight bruising on the outside, it didn't affect their freshness. I cooked them immediately after receiving them, and the loofahs were very tender and delicious when stir-fried.
RuRu
The loofahs are large and look very fresh—the quality is excellent!
loveconan1625
It's the season for loofah, and it's very fresh.
lina80924
The loofah is delicious, I buy it every week.
Adigo lee
This one is tastier and sweeter than the other items.
weeeare
On a hot day, buying some water melons to make soup is perfect.
?Rong
The watermelon was very fresh the first time I bought it, and the weight was just right. The loofah was delicious.
小溪
They were all wrapped up; you had to unwrap them one by one to see if there was any damage.
pchen9287
A little rotten but still okay; the loofah was good, but I didn't cook it properly and it all turned black
Haley
Same description and intact
Kurl BryanYere
Fresh and well packed
Tanmoy
I made stir-fried loofah with minced meat, and it tasted very bitter. I will never buy it again.
媛媛
Very fresh loofah!!!
Lisa颖
Good good I
lamin
Loofah makes a delicious soup, a favorite in summer.
weee.16545900
Good and fresh
Jhansi
It's very affordable, I really like it and I'll definitely buy it again!
槐序念依
Not good quality
malli.cftri
I made clam and loofah soup; I love this kind of loofah the most.
Liona