- "Drumstick tree" and variants thereof redirect here. This name is also used for the golden shower tree (Cassia fistulosa).
| Moringa oleifera | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Moringaceae |
| Genus: | Moringa |
| Species: | M. oleifera |
| Binomial name | |
| Moringa oleifera Lam. | |
Moringa oleifera (synonym: Moringa pterygosperma) is the most widely cultivated species of the genus Moringa, which is the only genus in the family Moringaceae. English common names include moringa, and drumstick tree, from the appearance of the long, slender, triangular seed pods,horseradish tree, from the taste of the roots which resembles horseradish, or ben oil tree, from the oil derived from the seeds. The tree itself is rather slender, with drooping branches that grow to approximately 10m in height. In cultivation, it is often cut back annually to 1–2 meters and allowed to regrow so the pods and leaves remain within arm's reach.[1][2]
In developing countries, moringa has potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development, and support sustainable landcare.[3] It may be used as forage for livestock, a micronutrient liquid, a natural anthelmintic and possible adjuvant.[2][4][5]
The moringa tree is grown mainly in semiarid, tropical, and subtropical areas, corresponding in the United States to USDA hardiness zones 9 and 10. While it grows best in dry, sandy soil, it tolerates poor soil, including coastal areas. It is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree that is native to the southern foothills of the Himalayas in northwestern India.
Cultivation in Hawai'i, for commercial distribution in the United States, is in its early stages.[6]
"India is the largest producer of moringa, with an annual production of 1.1 to 1.3 million tonnes of tender fruits from an area of 380 km². Among the states, Andhra Pradesh leads in both area and production (156.65 km²) followed by Karnataka (102.8 km²) and Tamil Nadu (74.08 km²). In other states, it occupies an area of 46.13 km². Tamil Nadu is the pioneering state in·so·much as it has varied genotypes from diversified geographical areas and introductions from Sri Lanka."[7]
Moringa is grown in home gardens and as living fences in Tamil Nadu Southern India and Thailand, where it is commonly sold in local markets.[8] In the Philippines, it is commonly grown for its leaves, which are used in soup.[9] Moringa is also actively cultivated by the World Vegetable Center in Taiwan, a center for vegetable research with a mission to reduce poverty and malnutrition in developing countries through improved production and consumption of vegetables. Tamil Nadu Southern India has Moringa in its folk stories and as well considered to be auspicious to grow in home.
It is also widely cultivated in Africa, Cambodia, Nepal, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Central and South America, and Sri Lanka.
Many parts of the moringa are edible. Regional uses of the moringa as food vary widely, and include:
- The immature seed pods, called "drumsticks", popular in Asia and Africa.
- Leaves, particularly in the Cambodia, Philippines, South India, Sri Lanka and Africa.
- Mature seeds
- Oil pressed from the mature seeds
- Roots
In some regions, the young seed pods are most commonly eaten,[11] while in others, the leaves are the most commonly used part of the plant. The flowers are edible when cooked and are said to taste like mushrooms. The bark, sap, roots, leaves, seeds, oil, and flowers are used in traditional medicine in several countries. In Jamaica, the sap is used for a blue dye.
Many parts of the moringa are edible. Regional uses of the moringa as food vary widely, and include:
- The immature seed pods, called "drumsticks", popular in Asia and Africa.
- Leaves, particularly in the Cambodia, Philippines, South India, Sri Lanka and Africa.
- Mature seeds
- Oil pressed from the mature seeds
- Roots
In some regions, the young seed pods are most commonly eaten,[11] while in others, the leaves are the most commonly used part of the plant. The flowers are edible when cooked and are said to taste like mushrooms. The bark, sap, roots, leaves, seeds, oil, and flowers are used in traditional medicine in several countries. In Jamaica, the sap is used for a blue dye.
[edit]Leaves
The leaves are the most nutritious part of the plant, being a significant source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, provitamin A as beta-carotene, magnesium and protein, among other nutrients, shown in the table, right column.[12] When compared with common foods particularly high in certain nutrients per 100 g fresh weight, moringa leaves are considerable sources of these same nutrients.[13][14]
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| Nutrients | Common food | Moringa Leaves | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A as beta-carotene | Carrot | 8.3 mg | 0.4 mg |
| Calcium | Milk | 300 mg | 185 mg |
| Potassium | Banana | 358 mg | 337 mg |
| Protein | Yogurt | 8 g | 9.4 g |
| Vitamin C | Orange | 53 mg | 52 mg |
| Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | |
|---|---|
| Energy | 268 kJ (64 kcal) |
| Carbohydrates | 8.28 g |
| - Dietary fiber | 2 g |
| Fat | 1.4 g |
| Protein | 9.4 g |
| Water | 78.66 g |
| Vitamin A equiv. | 378 μg (47%) |
| Thiamine (vit. B1) | 0.257 mg (22%) |
| Riboflavin (vit. B2) | 0.66 mg (55%) |
| Niacin (vit. B3) | 2.22 mg (15%) |
| Pantothenic acid (B5) | 0.125 mg (3%) |
| Vitamin B6 | 1.2 mg (92%) |
| Folate (vit. B9) | 40 μg (10%) |
| Vitamin C | 51.7 mg (62%) |
| Calcium | 185 mg (19%) |
| Iron | 4 mg (31%) |
| Magnesium | 147 mg (41%) |
| Manganese | 1.063 mg (51%) |
| Phosphorus | 112 mg (16%) |
| Potassium | 337 mg (7%) |
| Sodium | 9 mg (1%) |
| Zinc | 0.6 mg (6%) |
| Link to USDA Database entry Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA Nutrient Database | |
| Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | |
|---|---|
| Energy | 155 kJ (37 kcal) |
| Carbohydrates | 8.53 g |
| - Dietary fiber | 3.2 g |
| Fat | 0.2 g |
| Protein | 2.1 g |
| Water | 88.2 g |
| Vitamin A equiv. | 4 μg (1%) |
| Thiamine (vit. B1) | 0.053 mg (5%) |
| Riboflavin (vit. B2) | 0.074 mg (6%) |
| Niacin (vit. B3) | 0.62 mg (4%) |
| Pantothenic acid (B5) | 0.794 mg (16%) |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.12 mg (9%) |
| Folate (vit. B9) | 44 μg (11%) |
| Vitamin C | 141 mg (170%) |
| Calcium | 30 mg (3%) |
| Iron | 0.36 mg (3%) |
| Magnesium | 45 mg (13%) |
| Manganese | 0.259 mg (12%) |
| Phosphorus | 50 mg (7%) |
| Potassium | 461 mg (10%) |
| Sodium | 42 mg (3%) |
| Zinc | 0.45 mg (5%) |
| Link to USDA Database entry Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA Nutrient Database | |
Learn more about the health benefits of Moringa.
Be gentle.
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