Penghu ridged loofah is a variety of ridged (angled) loofah with ten distinct ridges on its skin; an improved cultivar named "Penghu No. 1" has been officially registered as a local specialty crop. Its flesh is snow-white and delicate, and unlike main-island round loofah, it does not brown after cooking — a must-order summer vegetable in Penghu.
Ridged loofah is classified by fruit length into four types: slender (≥60 cm), long club-shaped (50–60 cm), medium (40–50 cm), and short club-shaped (≤30 cm). Among these, "Penghu No. 1" is an F1 hybrid bred from local Penghu strains by the Penghu Branch of the Kaohsiung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station, marketed as "Ai Leng," with fruit 40–45 cm long and averaging 432 g; it was named in June 2008, with a plant variety rights certificate granted that October. Taiwan's main island primarily grows round cylinder loofah, while ridged loofah is mainly cultivated in Penghu.
What is Penghu Ridged Loofah
Penghu ridged loofah is the defining example of the ridged loofah variety. Its skin bears 10 deep ridges, so locals call it "ten-ridged loofah" or "ridged gourd." The fruit is a long oval shape, 25–40 cm in length, with green skin marked by fine white lines. The flesh is snow-white and delicate, with moderate moisture content, a pronounced sweetness, and no bitterness. Its most notable characteristic is that it does not brown after cooking — main-island round loofah oxidizes and darkens in the wok, while Penghu ridged loofah stays brilliantly white even when fully cooked, with superior appearance and texture. The Council of Agriculture has registered it as the new cultivar "Penghu No. 1," making it an officially certified local specialty crop.
The ridged loofah tolerates soil salinity well and thrives in Penghu's sandy soil and summer-intense-sunshine climate. It does not grow as successfully on the main island, so it is almost exclusively found in Penghu. Summer is the main season, and it is sold in Magong's markets and at various township farmers' associations. The most classic preparation is "loofah stir-fried with clams" — the clam juices seep into the loofah while the loofah's clean sweetness draws out the clams' brininess; a double freshness that merges beautifully. Another dish, "loofah vermicelli soup," is also a must-order at Penghu seafood restaurants: the loofah broth coats the vermicelli, light and clean without being heavy — at its best during the summer season.
How to eat it like a local
Local knowledge
Objective notes (sponsor-free)
- The Council of Agriculture has registered the ridged loofah cultivar as "Penghu No. 1" — an officially certified local specialty crop.
- The main island of Taiwan mainly grows round cylinder loofah; only Penghu has the ridged (ten-ridged) loofah, whose key characteristic is that it stays white after cooking.
- A Penghu summer seasonal vegetable sold at Magong market and various township farmers' associations.
Visitor tips
- Ridged loofah does not keep long when refrigerated — consume within 2–3 days of purchase; the skin toughens if left too long.
- Main-island markets occasionally sell main-island loofah under the Penghu loofah name; the distinguishing feature is "10 prominent ridges."
- When peeling, cut deep into the ridges to keep the pale, tender flesh — that's where the most delicate texture lies.
Information compiled from the Penghu County Government Tourism Bureau, township farmers' and fishermen's associations, and large volumes of public reviews; sponsored content has been filtered out. Photos will be replaced with the channel's exclusive footage after Dio's on-site shoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Penghu loofah differ from main-island loofah?
Penghu loofah is the ridged type with 10 distinct ridges, while the main island mostly grows round cylinder loofah.
What is "Penghu No. 1"?
It is an improved ridged loofah cultivar bred by the Penghu Branch of the Kaohsiung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station, marketed as "Ai Leng," granted plant variety rights in 2008.
How large is its fruit?
About 40-45 cm long, averaging 432 grams per fruit.
Sources
- 稜角絲瓜新品種「澎湖1號」簡介(農業部全球資訊網) — 農業部官方澎湖1號品種資料：商品名、果長、品種權時程
- 稜角絲瓜-絲瓜主題館-農業知識入口網 — 稜角絲瓜果長分類與本島圓筒絲瓜對照