The History Of Your Bath Mate - Loofah

Loofah – People use it for showering. It’s generally used for exfoliating dead skin and can also be used as a sponge. But how did this little thing become one of mankind’s most treasured item? EXIN Magazine looks back at the history of loofahs.

There are many answers and a few misconceptions regarding its origin. Loofah, also spelled “luffa”, is a vegetable in the Cucurbitaceae family. It’s considered a gourd, and is related to pumpkin and squash. The gourd is believed to have originated in Asia, and Egyptians used it as a sponge. According to an article written by biologist David Erickson and published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in the United States of America, the loofah traveled to America about 10,000 years ago and was considered an “Old World” plant, meaning it is native to Asia and Africa. People who settled in America brought the plant to domesticate it. It’s considered a “utility” species and was one of the first plants to be domesticated. Radiocarbon dating has shown the gourd has been in America for over 9,000 years. It’s now used mostly as sponges. However, it’s gourd was used as filters on ships prior to World War II. It has also been used to stuff pillows and for insulation.

Although it originated in Asia, it is now a very important part of South American agriculture. It’s called the “poor man’s kitchen and bath sponge”, because it can scrub the kitchen and is used as a bathing tool.

Over 11,000 individuals cultivate the loofah vegetable, and many of these are learning to cultivate the plant without harming the environment. It can offer 50 percent more income than cotton or grain crops.

When grown, it doesn’t look like loofah found in stores. It’s usually a foot long and has a yellow flower that grows with it. The plant produces male flowers first, so the first season does not produces fruit.

Alright, as we got to know about the origin of loofah, we again realize how fascinating history can be. Although, wait! Do not try to take a bite out of a loofah in your bathroom. It’s only edible when young. But, we do recommend you to try to grow the plant.