Is it safe to eat the skin of a loofah (sponge gourd)?
Jun 26, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Whether loofah peel is edible depends on its maturity. The peel of young loofah is tender with fine texture, less fibrous, and rich in nutrients. It is suitable for cold mixing, stir-frying, or cooking in soup, and can enhance the flavor of dishes. However, as loofah matures, its peel becomes tough and fibrous, may accumulate harmful substances, has poor texture, and is not suitable for consumption. Be sure to carefully assess the maturity before cooking.
Generally speaking, whether loofah peel can be eaten depends on its maturity. It is edible when fresh and tender, but not suitable for consumption when fully matured. The detailed explanation is as follows:
When loofah is in its fresh and tender stage, the peel has a fine texture with minimal fiber, and lacks a hard shell or rough texture. At this stage, the peel contains various nutrients, such as vitamins and dietary fiber. After being thoroughly washed, it can be consumed raw in salads, stir-fried, or cooked together with the loofah pulp in soups, adding unique texture and flavor, enhancing the dish's complexity and bringing distinctive deliciousness to the dining table.
Once the loofah becomes fully matured, its peel gradually hardens, becomes fibrous, and may develop a waxy layer, resulting in a coarse and unpleasant texture. Moreover, during the later growth stages, mature loofah peels may accumulate more harmful substances due to environmental factors. Consumption of such peels not only compromises the taste but may also have adverse effects on health, making them unsuitable for eating.
Before cooking loofah, it is essential to carefully check its maturity and determine whether the peel is suitable for consumption, to ensure both food safety and delicious taste.
