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Description/Taste
Moringa leaves are small, green, oval-shaped leaves of the Moringa tree. The feathery leaflets can grow up to two centimeters long and about 0.4 centimeters wide. Moringa leaves offer a slightly bitter flavor with grass-like undertones, and can often have a horseradish-like heat. During the cooking process, they release a distinct grassy smell. The Moringa tree is fast-growing and drought resistant, and can reach up to 12 meters in height.
Seasons/Availability
Moringa leaves can be found year-round in temperate and tropical climates.
Current Facts
The Moringa tree is scientifically known as Moringa oleifera, and commonly referred to as the Horseradish tree, Drumstick tree, Ben Oil tree, Benzoil tree. It has been nicknamed the 'Miracle tree', thanks to its extremely high nutritional content. Moringa leaves have been described as nature's multi-vitamin.
Nutritional Value
The Moringa leaf is a superfood and is packed with vitamins, minerals and amino acids. According to the USDA Nutrient Database, 100 grams of Moringa leaf has twice the beta carotene of carrots, seven times the calcium of milk, three times the protein of yogurt and the same amount of vitamin C as an orange. Moringa leaves are also high in vitamins B6, A, B2, and amino acids.
Applications
Moringa leaves can be used like spinach and can be found in sautees, curries, stews, dals, sambars, chutneys and soups. The Moringa leaf can be dried and used in teas or made into a supplemental powder. In the Philippines, Moringa leaves are boiled with lemongrass to make a detoxifying, healing tea. Moringa leaves pair well with chilies, turmeric, garlic, tomatoes, onions, shrimp paste, anchovies or sardines, ginger, coconut milk and coconut. Moringa leaves can be found in dishes containing fish, pork, chicken and pigeon.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Moringa leaves are used in a variety of dishes around the world. The Moringa leaf is highly nutritious and contains so many vitamins and minerals that it was widely used in traditional medicines, although many claims have not been scientifically studied. In Indonesia and the Philippines, the plant is used to ward off hexes and to combat black magic. In Africa and India, Moringa leaves have been used to battle malnutrition in feeding programs, and in Senegal, the Alternative Action for African Development found that children tested in nutritional studies with Moringa leaves maintained or increased their weight and experience improved overall health.
Geography/History
The Moringa tree is said to have originated in northern India and it can now also be found in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, Caribbean, North America, and Oceania. It goes by nearly 400 different names around the world. The Moringa tree grows easily in tropical and subtropical climates. Use of the Moringa tree in traditional medicines has been documented as far back as 5,000 years ago in India.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Moringa Leaves. One

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