Moringa oleifera Seeds - Miracle Tree, Horseradish Tree - Edible Medicinal Vegetable

Moringa oleifera Seeds

Horseradish Tree, Horseradish, Drumstick Tree, Miracle Tree

Moringa is the sole genus in the family Moringaceae. There are 13 species of Moringa ranging in size from small herbs to massive trees. Moringa oleifera is native to the foot hills of the Himalayas, but is widely cultivated in Africa, Central and South America, Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia and the Philippines for its many uses. This tree has naturalized in the north-eastern subtropical parts of South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces). Its common names include Horseradish Tree, because the fleshy roots taste like Horseradish, Drumstick Tree, referring to the shape of the seed Pods and Miracle Tree, because of its many uses and nutritional quality. Almost all parts of the tree are edible and very nutritional. The immature pods are eaten raw or prepared like peas or green beans and contain all the essential amino acids as well as a variety of vitamins and other nutrients. The mature pods can be fried and taste similar to peanuts. Ben Oil, which is clear, sweet and odourless and that has a similar nutritional value to that of olive oil, is also obtained from the pods. The leaves are highly nutritious and contain seven times the Vitamin C in oranges, four times the calcium in milk, four times the vitamin A in carrots, two times the protein in milk and three times the potassium in milk. They can be eaten raw, cooked or dried in salads, curries, pickles and seasoning. Dried leaves do not lose their nutritional value. The flowers are rich in potassium and calcium but must be cooked first. Moringa also has medicinal uses, and is of great economic value in third world countries. In Honduras it has been recognized as a profitable means of combating deforestation. Cattle that consume Moringa leaves show a considerable increase in weight gain and milk production. Moringa trees can grow in poor soils and grow well in large pots.