Luffa

Luffa, also known as loofah, is the fibrous inner layer of a mature gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca or Luffa acutangula) belonging to the cucumber family. These gourds are tropical and subtropical climbing vines. When the luffa gourd ripens on the vine, it dries out naturally. The flesh decomposes, leaving behind a network of strong, fibrous xylem tissue. This network is what we know as luffa.

Use Case: Luffa fibers are predominantly used for making bath and kitchen sponges due to their rough yet flexible texture. Beyond their use as scrubbing tools, these fibers are also utilized in the manufacturing of biodegradable potting containers for plants, doormats, and other eco-friendly products.

Good to Know: While luffa itself is natural, some loofah scrubs may be bleached or treated with chemicals during processing. Look for loofah products that specify natural processing methods.