Luffa is a genus of tropical and subtropical climbing vines belonging to the cucumber family, Cucurbitaceae. Commonly referred to as loofah in everyday language, this term usually describes the fruit of two primary species: Luffa aegyptiaca and Luffa acutangula.
These luffa species are grown primarily for their fruit, which is utilized as a vegetable in various culinary traditions, notably in India, China, and Vietnam. To ensure the fruit is tender and edible, it must be harvested while still young. If allowed to mature fully, the fruit becomes highly fibrous and is no longer suitable for consumption as a vegetable.
Once the fruit is fully ripened, it serves a different purpose. The fibrous texture of the mature fruit makes it an excellent material for crafting loofah sponges. These sponges are widely used for scrubbing and exfoliating in bathrooms and kitchens, providing a natural and effective cleaning tool.