Fresh luffa is used as a vegetable in many households, prepared as a stir-fry, curry or mash. Mature dried luffa, however, is not eaten. Instead, its fibrous interior is turned into natural bath sponges, which are sold in local markets for Tk 20–30 each. The process begins by harvesting mature luffa from the vine and drying it in the sun. Once fully dried, the hard outer skin is removed, and the inner fibres are cleaned and cut into suitable sizes. Although the finished sponge looks like a mesh, its natural fibres can be used to scrub and clean the body. As an alternative to plastic bath sponges, dried luffa is gaining attention as a simple, reusable and environmentally friendly product.
Photo: Hussain Shetu
