Loofah: Definition, Uses & Origins of the Natural Sponge

A loofa, loofah or luffa is the dried husk of the cylindrical fruit from a tropical plant of the genus Luffa. There are two species of the plant: Luffa acutangula and Luffa aegyptiaca.

Geography

• A loofah is a type of gourd that is native to India but has also been introduced in North America. It is a vine-like plant that is sensitive to cold.

Functions

• The fruit of the loofah plant has a number of different uses and can be eaten as a vegetable or dried and used as a sponge for skin care.

Considerations

• If you want to use a loofah as a sponge, you should look for one that has been commercially grown and has a medium softness. It should be comfortable to hold, evenly proportioned and have no sharp edges.

Features

• The dried gourd is often used as a type of coarse sponge in the bath or shower, and it's good for exfoliating dead skin cells.

Fun Fact

• Before WWII, most of the loofahs grown in the U.S. were used as filters in ship's boilers.