Which is better, dark green or light green loofah?

Does the color of the loofah affect its taste? This article will answer that question for you.

Loofah is a common ingredient that everyone is familiar with. It can be made into many delicious dishes with high nutritional value. When shopping for loofah, you’ll notice that some have dark green skin, while others have light green skin. So, which loofah is better, with higher quality?

Difference Between Dark Green and Light Green Loofah

By color, you can often tell the taste of the loofah. Dark green loofahs are usually more mature. They have spent more time growing on the vine, so they tend to be larger and longer than the light green ones.

Dark green loofahs and light green loofahs differ in taste. To choose a good loofah, you need to know the difference between the two. Dark green loofahs, being older, have a richer, sweeter taste and contain more nutrients. However, they often have more fibers. These loofahs are great for soups and stir-fries.

Light green loofahs are younger and have a shorter growing period on the vine. They are smaller, shorter, and have fewer fibers. These loofahs are fresher and lighter in taste compared to the older ones.

Tips for Choosing Fresh and Delicious Loofah

• Check the stem of the loofah: When buying vegetables and fruits, always check the stem. For loofah, if the stem is still fresh and green, with sap flowing, and not darkened, it indicates that it’s freshly harvested and will taste better. Avoid buying loofahs with darkened, withered stems, as they are older, and the flesh will be tough and not tasty.

• Examine the lines on the loofah's skin: Loofah skin will have visible lines. These lines can help you distinguish between young and mature loofah. When buying loofah, look for smooth, clear lines spaced evenly apart. This indicates that the loofah is fresh, just harvested, and will taste good. Loofahs with wrinkled lines indicate that they are older and will not taste as good.
  

• Check the thickness of the loofah's skin: Choose loofahs with skin that is moderately thick and smooth. Avoid those with excessively bumpy or rough skin.

• Check the freshness of the loofah: To test the freshness of the loofah, press gently on the head of the fruit. If it feels firm and solid, it’s fresh and delicious. If it feels soft, flattened, or squishy, it means the loofah is either wilted or too mature. In either case, it won't have the same great taste.