Types of loofah

The types of loofah should be very familiar to some farmers. Let’s learn about them together.

Loofah

There are many types of loofah, and there are two common types of loofah: thread loofah and fat loofah.

Types of loofah

The thread loofah is thin and long. When buying it, you should choose those with a straight shape, moderate size, no wrinkles on the surface, tender and plump, emerald green skin, and not wilted or damaged.

Fat loofahs are relatively short, with roughly the same thickness at both ends. When purchasing, you should choose those with fresh skin, medium size, fine wrinkles on the surface, and a layer of white velvety substance, and no external injuries.

The loofah is smooth, sweet, tender and refreshing. It has the effects of clearing the meridians, cooling blood and detoxifying. It can be used not only for stir-frying, but also for boiling soup. It is the choice of many citizens for home cooking. However, if you don’t choose a good loofah, it may taste a bit bitter. The vegetable farmer explained that this is because before the loofah is picked, the loofah and the loofah vines grow together, and there is not enough sunlight. The loofah becomes bitter because the loofah does not have sufficient photosynthesis during its growth period. Therefore, be careful when choosing loofah and try to avoid choosing bitter loofah. Generally speaking, very hard loofah will be bitter.

First, look at the appearance of the loofah. Don't choose the ones with irregular shapes or protrusions. Then, touch the skin of the loofah and choose the ones with fine and tender skin, not too thick, otherwise the loofah may be old and have seeds.

Next, take the loofah in your hand and weigh it to feel whether the whole melon is elastic; pinch it with your fingers slightly. If it feels hard, do not buy it, as hard loofah is very likely to be bitter.

In addition, if the owner of the loofah store agrees, you can break off the head of the loofah, put it in your mouth and taste it. You will know whether it is bitter or not just by tasting it.

Good loofahs are of uniform thickness and firm when you pinch them with your hands, which means they are fresh; if they are soft and limp, they have been stored for a long time. If the skin is dark, not green and thick, it means it is old. You must peel the loofah before eating, even if it is very tender, otherwise it will be unpalatable.