Sponge gourd-Sheo

Sheo is a Bihari type of luffa gourd, or Luffa cylindrica. This is a smooth skin type luffa, closely related to ridge gourd. The fruit is edible only when immature and is cooked like zucchini. The matured fruit forms sponge-like fibers inside. The dried matured fruits are often used as scrubbers, cleaning pads or bath sponges. Fruits are cylindrical-shaped, 8-12" long and 3" across, and with green skin and white flesh. This variety grows in clusters Known as Nenwa in Guyana and northern India.