Luffa cylindrica – Famine Foods

Luffa cylindrica

Synonym(s):
Luffa aegypticaca

Uses

Nigeria (northern): young fruits cooked and eaten by the Hausa. French Guinea (Guinea): eaten like squash in soups and stews. China: fruit peeled and boiled.

Additional Information

Name Authority:
(L.) M. Roem.
Misc:
Chemical composition (Chinese sample): Protein = 1.4%. Fat = 0.15%. Carbohydrate = 4.28%. Ash = 0.48%. Moderate quantities of Vitamins A, B1 and B2. Moderate amounts of Vitamin C. Seed oil (Zambian sample): oil = 16%. Component esters (wt%): 16:0 = 16%. 18:0 = 13%. 18:1 = 14%. 18:2 = 3%.

 Plant Classification Group:
 Plant Locations:
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This site is provided to Mr. Freedman by Dr. Jules Janick, Emeritus Professor and Former James Troop Distinguished Professor of Horticulture. The content on this site is provided and maintained by Mr. Freedman.