Tag: Luffa aegyptiaca

According to reports, consumption of bitter-tasting cucurbit family vegetables, including luffa, has led to food poisoning cases worldwide. If a luffa tastes unusually bitter, it contains a high concentration of toxic compounds called cucurbitacins and is indeed poisonous to eat. Recognizing this danger is critical for home cooks and gardeners.

Botanically, zucchini and sponge gourd are different species, though both belong to the sprawling Cucurbitaceae or gourd family, which also includes cucumbers and melons. This family connection is a common source of confusion, but their unique characteristics are what truly define them.