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| Welcome to the luffa.info loofah sponge
harvest page! Here are photos with step by step descriptions of luffa sponge
gourds from the home garden being picked, peeled, and cleaned for use . |
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| The first step is to select a loofah that is ready
to be peeled. Luffa lose the green color and become lighter in weight when
ready. Some varieties go from green to dark brown. Some types turn a yellow
or brown color. The skin feels loose and thinner when they are ready to
pick. |
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| The sponges can be removed by twisting until the
vine breaks. If the vine is still alive it may be desirable to neatly cut
the sponges off in order to minimize damage to the vine. |
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| Slamming the luffa against a hard surface will loosen
the skin and knock the seeds loose. Slightly crushing the sponges under
a board or other weight can also loosen the skin. |
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| The bottom tip of the sponge is easily knocked off.
Many of the seeds can be shaken out before peeling. Seeds should be spread
out to dry before storing. Store in a cool dry place. Refrigerate or freeze
in airtight containers for multi year storage. |
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| Use your thumbs to find a loose spot along a seam.
Push in to create a tear and pull apart the skin. |
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| Peel the skin back off one end, usually the top,and
pull off the other end. Do whatever works best for you. After peeling a
few sponges you'll get a feel for the best method. |
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| Applying a thorough high pressure water spray removes most of the sap
color. It washes out many seeds also. |
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| The final result is a loofah sponge drying in the sun. Squeeze and shake
out excess water. Frequent turning of the sponges helps to dry them faster.
Store unused sponges where dust won't settle on them. |
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