Luffa Sponge

Sponge gourd, rag gourd or the luffa gourd is a type of gourd my farmer friend Leong Kah Ho plants beside the paddy that he works. "It is an easy part time task with fruitful result." He said with a cherish smile.
He harvests the fibrous matured gourd, skin, wash and dry them. This is one of the many other activities he carries out part time after returns from the paddy. He sometime sells the dried sponges at local market, or gives them to charity body for charity sales.



The Luffa (Loofah or Loofa) sponge is commonly used in Southeast Asia countries as a general scrub in kitchen. Ideal for dish washing or anything that needs scrubbing without scratching the surface. Non-stick cookware is one of the example.

The Luffa sponge is also used for bathing, and it is called bathing sponge or shower sponge. Many commercial bath houses do provide it as a natural scrub for clients. It is very good and effective for gentle removal of surface dead skin.

Kah Ho proudly showing how he harvests the Luffa gourd directly from the plant, skin it in a few seconds, shake off the seeds and wash it. The sponge will be ready for use after drying.



The harvested gourds ready to be skinned.

The sponges are dry under hot sun.


Kah Ho collects the seeds for next sowing season. The seeds can also be grind into powder and used as a traditional remedy for high blood pressure.


Bathing in the last beam of setting sun, Kah Ho gathering the dried sponges ready for sales in night market.