Luffa gourds are grown predominantly to be natural and sustainable sponges, however, the young fruits can also be harvested for cooking. There is a distinct difference between picking tender fruits for the kitchen and harvesting luffa sponges for the bathroom, so when are luffa ready to harvest? Getting the timing right on both fronts is important. If you want to eat luffa gourds they are best young, as they become bitter and unpalatable when mature.
On the other hand, harvesting luffa sponges requires patience as they need to mature on the vine. If you are new to growing luffa plants , this guide can help you know when to harvest luffa. We also reveal tips on how to pick and prepare the gourds when harvesting luffa sponges.
Harvest luffa for natural sponges Whatever your luffa aspirations, you must pick the fruits at the right moment. To help you get that timing spot on and avoid a harvesting mistake , we look closely at when to harvest and get tips from a renowned luffa expert. When to harvest luffa Luffa sponges are harvested from mature fruits When you choose to harvest luffa will depend on what you plan to do with the fruits.
Some growers eat the young fruits of luffa plants - a popular vegetable in many parts of Asia and some African countries. To harvest immature luffa to eat, pick the fruits when they are tender and around four to six inches long. They are only edible at a young and tender stage, with a mild and sweet flavor before getting very bitter and tough as the.