How to remove the outer skin of dried loofah

Removing the outer skin of dried loofah can be done by soaking it in hot water or scraping it directly. Dried loofah has a hard texture and needs to be softened before peeling. Common methods include soaking in hot water for softening, using knives to assist in scraping, rubbing the skin after baking, mechanical friction to remove the shell, and natural weathering and peeling.

1. Softening by soaking in hot water

Soak the dried loofah in boiling water for about 15 minutes, and the high temperature will cause the fibrous tissue to expand and soften. After taking it out, gently scrape the surface with the back of a spoon while it is still hot, and the skin will peel off in patches. This method is suitable for dry loofah with incomplete carbonization of the skin. After treatment, it can preserve the complete structure of the flesh, which is convenient for subsequent production of loofah web or cooking use. Note that the soaking time should not be too long to avoid the pulp absorbing too much water and affecting the dryness.

2. Tool assisted scraping

Use a fruit knife or scraper to scrape along the longitudinal texture of the luffa. Fix the ends of the loofah with your left hand, and use your right hand to hold a knife at a 30 degree angle to push and scrape it diagonally, with even force to avoid damaging the internal fiber layer. For locally stubborn black spots, the tip of the knife can be used to remove them in a point like manner. This method requires the moisture content of luffa to be less than 10%, as excessively wet dry luffa is prone to fiber breakage. The surface of the processed loofah will exhibit a natural striped texture.

3. Rub the skin after baking

Place the dried loofah in the oven and bake it at a low temperature of 80 ℃ for 20 minutes. The heat creates a gap between the skin and the flesh. Wear insulated gloves and hold both ends of the loofah. Rotate and rub your hands in reverse, and the carbonized skin will break and fall off. The baking temperature should not exceed 100 ℃, otherwise it will cause lignin coking and produce an unpleasant odor. This method is particularly suitable for handling old luffa that has been stored for over a year, with a peeling efficiency that is about 40% higher than conventional methods.

4. Mechanical Friction Shell Removal

Take two rough stone slabs or sandpaper and rub the dried loofah back and forth in the middle. Physical friction can remove surface keratinized cells while preserving the integrity of internal vascular bundles. It is recommended to wear a dust mask during operation to avoid inhaling shedding skin flakes. After mechanical treatment, the surface of the loofah web will present a matte texture, suitable for crafts that require the preservation of natural pore structure.

Fifth, Natural Weathering and Stripping

Dry loofah is hung in a well ventilated and sheltered place. After three to five months of natural weathering, the skin will crack and curl on its own. Gently brush the surface with a hard bristled brush to remove loose skin, which creates a unique distressed texture. Regular inspections are required during the weathering process to prevent mold from corroding the internal fibers. This method is time-consuming but can preserve the natural form of luffa to the greatest extent possible, and is commonly used in ecological art creation. The dried loofah treated with SEP can be placed in the sun for two hours to thoroughly dry. If used for cleaning kitchen utensils, it is recommended to boil and disinfect with boiling water; If making handicrafts, apply wood wax oil to enhance durability. When storing, avoid humid environments and regularly check for insect infestation. Different peeling methods can affect the water absorption, flexibility, and service life of luffa cocoons. It is recommended to choose the appropriate method according to the actual use. For medicinal purposes, the silk gourd complex needs to undergo traditional processing techniques such as nine steaming and nine sun drying after peeling.