How to quickly peel off dry loofah skin

The main methods for quickly peeling off dried loofah skin include hot water soaking, knife back scraping, microwave heating, frozen peeling, and friction peeling.

1. Hot water soaking method

Soak dried loofah in boiling water for a few minutes. High temperature will soften and expand the skin fibers. After taking it out, gently lift the edge of the skin with your nails or spoon while it is still hot, and the entire skin can be easily peeled off. Note that the soaking time should not be too long to avoid excessive water absorption in the loofah flesh, which can affect the taste. This method is suitable for old silk melons with thick skin, and can preserve the complete shape of the melon body after treatment.

2. Knife back scraping method

Use a kitchen knife to gently scrape the surface along the longitudinal direction of the loofah, with a force that can scrape off the skin without damaging the flesh. When scraping, maintain a 30 degree angle between the blade surface and the melon body, and repeat until the skin completely falls off. This method has low requirements for tools, but requires appropriate force and is suitable for luffa varieties with textured surfaces.

3. Microwave heating method

Place the dried loofah in a microwave oven and heat it on high heat for 20 seconds. The microwave can quickly evaporate the moisture on the skin and cause shrinkage. Immediately wrap and rub with a damp cloth after removal, as the thermal expansion and contraction effect will cause the skin to naturally crack and fall off. This method is efficient but requires control over the heating time, as excessive heating can cause the melon meat to become soft and lose its toughness.

4. Freeze peeling method

After sealing the dried luffa, place it in the freezing layer for 2 hours. Low temperature will cause a difference in the shrinkage rate of the skin and flesh of the luffa. After removal, gently tap the surface of the melon body, and the crispy skin will peel off in patches. The freezing method can maximize the compactness of melon meat, making it particularly suitable for cooking needs that require preserving its intact form.

5. Friction Peeling Method

Two dried loofahs are rubbed against each other or against a rough dishwashing cloth, and mechanical force can damage the attached layer of the skin. During the process, a small amount of water can be dipped to increase friction until the skin is completely worn. This method does not require additional tools, but it is time-consuming and labor-intensive, suitable for small-scale processing and does not require high melon shape requirements.

It is recommended to cook the processed loofah as soon as possible to avoid oxidation and discoloration caused by prolonged exposure. If short-term storage is required, it can be soaked in diluted salt water or sealed and refrigerated. Different peeling methods can affect the final taste. Hot water method is suitable for stewing, while freezing method is suitable for stir frying. You can choose according to the needs of the dish. Loofah is rich in saponins and dietary fiber, making it easier to digest and absorb after peeling. However, the skin also contains some antioxidant components, so if not necessary, some tender skin can be preserved. Dry loofah should be stored in a well ventilated and dry place for daily use, and regularly checked for mold resistance.