A CLOSER LOOK
How to recognize it
An elongated green gourd with prominent lengthwise ridges and pale soft flesh. This entry covers the ridged fresh vegetable, not smooth loofah or a dried cleaning sponge.
In the kitchen
Peeled or trimmed, then sliced for stir-fries, steaming and soups, including some Shunde shredded fish soups.
Size, skin colour and tenderness vary by variety and maturity. Plain loofah is plant-based; a finished dish may include seafood, meat, egg, animal stock or sauces. Check the actual preparation.
Ask about this ingredient
这道菜里有胜瓜（有棱丝瓜）吗？
Does this dish contain Angled loofah (sing qua)?
A few dishes to explore
These examples use this ingredient in typical or optional preparations. Open the dish to see the distinction; a restaurant’s recipe can differ.
