moringa
moringa
Called the "Tree of Life", very popular food, medicinal and garden tree in developing countries worldwide, sold in their local markets. All parts are used. Slender tree with drooping branches, grows to 10m (30ft) thin seed pods that look like drumsticks. One of the fastest growing trees- reaching 9 feet within 10 months of planting seed! has deep roots to survive dry seasons and bring up lots of nutrients from deep in the ground. Loves sun, does not tolerate frost. Roots taste like horseradish. Leaves used for soup, tea, salads, stews, stir-fries. Immature seedpods, called "drumsticks" are edible, as are the leaves, roots, flowers, mature seeds and oil from seeds. All parts including bark used medicinally. Sap makes blue color dye. Leaves are most nutritious part, very high in vitamin C, beta-carotene, magnesium, calcium and one of the highest sources of protein of any leaf. 3 times more iron than spinach. Leaves can be used like spinach- raw, cooked, soup, or dried and powdered. Seeds can be eaten like peas or roasted like nuts. Seed oils very high in beneficial behenic acid. Roots used like horseradish. Used to increase energy and expel parasites. Used medicinally for diabetes (controls glucose levels), Epstein-Barr, antibacterial, anti-parasite, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, increase breast milk, better sleep, depression, anxiety, liver, kidney, stomach inflammation, thyroid, cancer, colon inflammation anemia, high blood pressure, arthritis, rheumatism, joint pain, migraine, detoxification, skin beautification and ani-aging, chronic fatigue, stabilize chemicals that balance thoughts and emotions, faster recover from workouts. Used to disinfect questionable water from bacteria. Also effective against salmonella, staph, enterobacter, dysentery. No reported side effects.
Edible Plant Guide © 2012 Markus Rothkranz