{"product_id":"luffa","title":"Luffa Gourd\/Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica) - For Wok Vegetables \u0026 Natural Sponges","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003eWho says that only the usual suspects have to grow in the vegetable patch or on the balcony? Make room for a true natural wonder that will revolutionize your home and kitchen alike! The sponge gourd (botanically \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"240\"\u003eLuffa cylindrica\u003c\/i\u003e), better known as luffa, is a climbing plant of the absolute highest class. It literally kills two birds with one stone: in summer, it provides you with wonderfully tender, Asian stir-fry vegetables, and in autumn, you can harvest 100% natural, compostable sponges for the bathroom and kitchen from the mature fruits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eScope of delivery:\u003c\/b\u003e One plant in a 7cm pot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping from 26\/05\/11\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eOrigin \u0026 Secret Tip: From Tropical Plant to Plate\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003eOriginally native to the humid tropics of Asia and Africa, the luffa belongs to the large pumpkin family. While in countries like India or Vietnam it climbs on huge trellises and ends up on plates as an everyday staple, in Europe we know it almost exclusively in dried form from drugstores. The fact that the very young fruits can be excellently prepared and eaten is still a real insider tip for foodies and experimental gardeners in this country!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003eClimbing Artist with Rapid Growth\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eThe annual luffa exhibits tremendous growth, pushing its vines \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6\" data-index-in-node=\"126\"\u003e3 to 5 meters\u003c\/b\u003e high in just one season. A robust trellis, a pergola, or a very sturdy fence are therefore an absolute must. In addition to the dense foliage, it produces large, bright yellow trumpet-shaped flowers in midsummer, which are a true magnet for bees and bumblebees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLocation \u0026 Care:\u003c\/b\u003e As a true tropical child, the plant craves bright sun and pleasant warmth. A sheltered spot on a south-facing wall or a place in a greenhouse is perfect. The soil should be loose and extremely rich in nutrients – compost is its best friend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"7,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWater requirements:\u003c\/b\u003e Anyone who produces so much leaf and fruit mass so quickly naturally has an enormous thirst. On hot days, the plant needs regular, thorough watering. It won't easily forgive you for drought stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003eThe Magical Transformation: Vegetable or Natural Sponge?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eThe absolutely fascinating thing about the luffa is its versatility – you alone decide what you get by the harvest time:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCrunchy summer vegetable (The young fruit):\u003c\/b\u003e If you cut the fruits while they are still very young, soft, and about 15 to 20 centimeters long (usually in midsummer), you have a first-class stir-fry vegetable. The juicy, mild flesh resembles a fine cross between zucchini and eggplant. The best part: Luffas hardly disintegrate when fried and literally soak up the aromas of curries, spices, and soy sauces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe fibrous cleaning hero (The mature fruit):\u003c\/b\u003e If you leave the gourds hanging, however, they develop into stately, 30 to 60 cm long clubs. Now the inside is no longer eaten, but forms an extremely tough, tightly woven fibrous framework. As soon as the fruit turns brown in late autumn, dries out, and becomes very light, your sustainable household helper is born!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003eDIY Project: How to Grow Your Own Zero-Waste Sponges\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"13\"\u003eThere's hardly anything more satisfying than making your own dish and bath sponges. The process is super simple and a great garden project:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col start=\"1\" data-path-to-node=\"14\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eAllow to ripen \u0026 dry:\u003c\/b\u003e Leave the gourds on the vine for as long as possible, ideally until just before the first frost. They are ready for sponge production when they feel like paper, are brown, and rustle. If they need to be brought in earlier due to frost, let them dry completely until they rustle in a warm, well-ventilated place indoors (e.g., in a heated basement).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePeel:\u003c\/b\u003e The papery, dry skin can now be easily peeled off with your fingers. Beneath it, the firm, beautiful fiber network appears.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eShake out seeds:\u003c\/b\u003e Cut off one end and tap the sponge vigorously. The countless black seeds that fall out can simply be saved as seeds for your luffa jungle next year!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eClean (Optional):\u003c\/b\u003e For a light color and hygienic cleanliness, you can soak the raw sponge in water with a little vinegar or washing soda and then rinse thoroughly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14,4,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,4,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eUsage:\u003c\/b\u003e Let it dry thoroughly in the sun and cut into handy pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"15\"\u003eWhether as a gentle, circulation-stimulating \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"15\" data-index-in-node=\"40\"\u003eexfoliating sponge in the shower\u003c\/b\u003e or as a powerful but scratch-free \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"15\" data-index-in-node=\"112\"\u003edish sponge for delicate pans\u003c\/b\u003e in the kitchen – your luffa sponge is a durable all-rounder. It can be cleaned at 60 °C in the washing machine and can simply be composted at the end of its life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003eWhy buy packaged household items and plastic sponges when you can easily and sustainably grow them yourself? Start your own zero-waste project right by the garden fence! With Luffa cylindrica, you secure a vigorous attraction that enriches your diet and makes your home a little greener in a brilliantly simple way.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pflanzenwelten Andre Heinek","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55624031830401,"sku":null,"price":3.6,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0931\/6332\/3777\/files\/Image_vfrbazvfrbazvfrb.png?v=1777139209","url":"https:\/\/pflanzenwelten-heinek.de\/en\/products\/luffa","provider":"Pflanzenwelten Andre Heinek ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}