Essay, Loofah Clam Noodles

"The sound of lonely hedgerows entering the spring, but the mountains are clear even if they don't see the mountain. The grass grows in the autumn and rain for a few days, and the loofah grows along the tiled wall." Song of Song, Du Beishan

Native to the Indian subcontinent, and later introduced to China in the Tang and Song dynasties of China, loofah (cabbage melon) is one of the common melon vegetables in East Asia; in Taiwan, the annual planting area of loofah is about 2,000 Its bright yellow flowers can be seen from Nantou in the Mainland to Pingtung in the South Island.

In addition to being edible as a vegetable, its fruit can also be made into a natural utensil for washing dishes and bathing when it is matured and aged. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, loofah can clear heat and resolve phlegm, cool blood and detoxify, and activate meridians. At the same time, loofah is richer in vitamin B, which prevents skin aging, and vitamin C, which makes the skin fairer. It can protect the skin and eliminate discoloration. The efficacy of spots is a rare natural holy product, so the loofah juice is also known as "beauty water"... Ladies and ladies, eating more loofah is also very helpful for regulating irregular menstruation.

Just like the mountain scenery described by the poet Du Beishan's "Song of Loofah", it is refreshing to read it, and this bowl of "loofah and clam noodles" on the table also gives people a feeling of refreshing and unburdened, especially in the years of "accompanying" the pneumonia epidemic. "Most Taiwanese people wear masks and alcohol all day long, and many people with hot and dry constitution are more prone to dry mouth and flushed face. What's more, they are sweating profusely within five minutes of going out, plus annoying acne. Keep coming to report... Choose heat-clearing loofah with moisturizing clams. It is a two-pronged approach to reduce fire and eliminate gas. It is high in nutrition but low in calories, and delicious and fresh. It is indeed a good anti-epidemic dish with high C/P value.

In addition, Taiwan's native loofah is mostly the so-called "cylindrical loofah", but there is another closely related species, the "angular loofah" (horned loofah), which is bred in the salty and sandy soil. It is said that the flavor is quite good, and it is also suitable for iced and fresh consumption. The sweet and crisp taste is very popular among tourists! That's right, it is the "Penghu loofah" or "Jinmen loofah" that is often referred to in the market.

In recent years, the Committee of Agriculture has been more active in breeding new varieties, such as the commercial name "Ai Ling", and the "Luffa Penghu No. 1" which combines Chiayi Xikou and Penghu strains is an example.

Sharing: Introduction of the new angular loofah variety "Penghu No. 1" (Council of Agriculture)