Given that when loofahs are advertised they always seem to be mixed in with random ocean paraphernalia, we don't blame you for thinking that they come from the ocean. 

I mean, come ON! 

They do kind of look like a cousin of coral plants.....

However, the ocean is NOT where our favourite shower-time exfoliators come from.
They are actually dried-out gourds that grow on vines! Crazy, right?

But did you also know that they're edible?! 
If harvested at an early stage of development, the gourd-- which is actually related to cucumber and watermelon plants --can be eaten, as it's technically a fruit! (But its similar to the tomato, in that it feels like a vegetable.) 

Once fully developed, the gourds are dehydrated and the skin is peeled off to reveal the fibrous part we use in the shower. (Don't try to eat that kind....)

Here's a vegetarian-friendly recipe for stir-fried loofah and eggs. It actually looks good enough to.....eat? 

Mind = Blown
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By Salma Thanatos Rizk