Superfoods: Moringa

Moringa is a fast growing tree well adapted to tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world such as Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, Southern China, India and here in south Florida. Its’ leaves taste like peanuts with a bitter after taste. Moringa thrives in extreme heat, humidity, intense exposure to the sun, and poor sandy soil. Because it quickly grows a deep tap root seeking water that is sometimes scarce, moringa is capable of enduring long periods of drought. Since the bugs do not bother it moringa requires no pesticides. Even the seeds can be used to purify dirty water.

Moringa is highly nutritious. Reportedly its leaves have:

• Two times the protein of eggs

• Three times the potassium of bananas

• Four times the calcium of milk

• Four times the vitamin A of carrots

• Seven times the vitamin C of oranges

In other words, it is like growing multivitamins in your backyard! Moringa’s characteristics means it grows easily in regions of the world where it is needed the most, earning it the much deserved nickname of “The Miracle Tree.” Here at Wheatgrass Central we have dozens of Moringa trees growing in our Organic Garden. The leaves can be eaten raw or dehydrated and put in a shaker bottle to be sprinkled on salads and for use in salad dressings. I also use the leaves as a ground cover in the Organic Garden to suppress weeds and to compost in place to add nutrients to the soil.