How to distinguish bitter loofah and how to remove bitterness from bitter loofah

Is the soft loofah fresh or has been stored for a long time? It is really difficult for those who don't know when to choose. The most common loofahs on the market can be divided into two types: thread loofah and fat loofah. If you pinch it with your hand and it is very firm, it is fresh. If it is soft and drooping, it has been stored for a long time. However, you can't buy loofah that is too hard, because this kind of loofah may be bitter. When buying, you should choose the one with a straight shape, moderate size, no wrinkles on the surface, tender and plump, emerald green skin, and not wilted or damaged. Now everyone should know how to choose?

Contents of this article

1. How to distinguish bitter loofah

2. How to remove the bitterness of bitter loofah

3. Can bitter loofah be eaten?

4. How to choose bitter loofah

How to distinguish bitter loofah

It is usually difficult to tell whether loofah is bitter when you buy it. Generally, the bitter part of loofah is about an inch away from the loofah stem, which can be seen after peeling the skin. The bitter area is dark green in strips, while normal loofah should be white. After peeling the skin, it will not be bitter. Another more popular way is to cut off a piece and lick it. If it is not bitter, then the loofah is not bitter.

How to remove bitterness from bitter loofah

Normal loofah does not taste bitter and is good for the body after consumption, but there is a risk of poisoning after consuming bitter loofah. Alkali glycoside alkaloids are a toxic substance that is no less toxic than arsenic, and is difficult to destroy and dissolve even at high temperatures. Bitter loofah contains alkali glycoside alkaloids. Alkali glycoside alkaloids are also difficult to remove after heating. After consumption, symptoms of poisoning may appear within half an hour to several hours. Mild poisoning will cause dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and drowsiness. In severe cases, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, dehydration, pus and blood in the stool, and even life-threatening. Therefore, it can be seen that the toxicity of this bitter loofah is very high, so don't be reluctant to throw away this poisonous loofah.

Can bitter loofah be eaten?

The main reason why loofah becomes bitter is because it contains glucosinolates, which is mainly caused by improper planting and genetic mutations. Eating bitter loofah may cause poisoning symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. It is suggested that bitter loofah is toxic and can cause poisoning reactions in people with poor tolerance. Therefore, it is recommended that it is not suitable for consumption. If you feel unwell after eating it, go to the hospital for treatment as soon as possible.

How to choose bitter loofah

1. Choose by type: The most common loofahs on the market can be divided into two types: thread loofah and fat loofah. Thread loofah is thin and long. When buying, you should choose those with a straight shape, moderate size, no wrinkles on the surface, tender and plump, emerald green skin, and no drooping or damage. Fat loofah is relatively short, with roughly the same thickness at both ends. When buying, you should choose those with fresh skin, moderate size, fine wrinkles on the surface, and a layer of white velvet, and no external injuries.

2. Look at the appearance: A good loofah should be uniform in thickness. Do not choose those with irregular shapes or protrusions. If the loofah is evenly shaped and has complete white hairs, it means the loofah is tender and fresh. Do not buy a big-bellied melon, as it has many seeds. Hook-shaped melons are difficult to peel, so they are not recommended even if they are cheap. Then, feel the skin of the loofah and choose one with a fine and tender skin, not too thick, otherwise the loofah is likely to be old and have seeds.

3. Pinch with your hands: If you pinch it with your hands and it is firm, it is fresh. If it is soft and limp, it has been stored for a long time. However, do not buy loofah that is too hard, because it may be bitter.