Grower
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.
Moringa leaves can be found year-round in temperate and tropical climates.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
is easiest, three is harder.
Recently Spotted
People have spotted Moringa Leaves using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
| Tony Do's Farm |
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
is easiest, three is harder.| Madraasi |
|
Crab Curry with Moringa Leaves |
| Sinamon Tales |
|
Drumstick Leaf aka Moringa Dal |
| Moringa Matters |
|
Moringa Pizza |
| Eating Club Vancouver |
|
Munggo Malunggay (Mung Bean and Moringo Mush) |
Recently Spotted
People have spotted Moringa Leaves using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Specialty Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 56 days ago, 5/27/17 Spotter's comments : Moringa Leaves spotted at Santa Monica Farmers Market. Mid season from Thao farms 
Vista Farmers Market
Near Vista, California, United StatesAbout 252 days ago, 11/12/16 Spotter's comments : Moringa Leaves spotted at Vista Farmers Market. 
Vista Farmers Market
Near Vista, California, United StatesAbout 343 days ago, 8/13/16 Spotter's comments : Moringa Leaves spotted at Vista Farmers Market. 
Little Italy Mercato
Pachoua Vang
Near San Diego, California, United StatesVang's Farm 559-475-3307 About 455 days ago, 4/23/16 Spotter's comments : Moringa Leaves spotted at Little Italy Mercato. 
Mercado Hidalgo
La Oaxaqueña
Near Tijuana, Baja California, MexicoBlvd. Sanchez Taboada #935 Mercado Hidalgo Zona Rio, 664-200-2920 About 704 days ago, 8/18/15 Spotter's comments : Moringa Leaves spotted at Mercado Hidalgo. |
