Within each seed catalog, there are plants you flip pastthe ones that youve never heard of.

Every year I ask myself, Who is growing all those cardoons?

Luffa, however, shouldnt be skipped.

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If the notion of literally growing your own sponges delights you, then you shouldgrow some luffathis year.

What is Luffa?

Originally thought to be from Asia, it wasnt until India began cultivating it that production took off.

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(Serious Eats described it as the worlds most succulent squash.)

Because the structure of luffa holds onto moisture better than zucchini, it absorbs flavor like a sponge.

Marinate it, saute it, etc.

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; treat it like you would any squash.

Most often treated like eggplant,luffa is complemented by parmesan.

It even makes its way intofine dining.

The squash get quite large and dries out.

Loofah really are the ideal kitchen workhorse sponge a completely natural solution that can scrub pots and surfaces.

Its not bad in the shower, either.

you’re free to sew it into a smaller countertop sponge, or leave it whole.

How to Grow Luffa

Luffa is a prolific vine that requires support.

If you plan to harvest them for loofah, then you do absolutely nothing except let them grow.

Once theyre completely, fully dry, you might crack launch the skin and peel it off.

Inside, youll expose the spongy-textured guts, which is what youll recognize as loofah.

you’re free to use it as is, or break it down into smaller pieces.