Moringa oleifera commonly popular as moringa, drumstick tree (from the long, slender, triangular seed-pods), horseradish tree (from the taste of the roots, which resembles horseradish), and ben oil tree or benzolive tree (from the oil which is derive from the seeds). It is widely cultivate for its young seed pods and leaves used as vegetables and for traditional herbal medicine. It is also use for water purification.
Moringa is a fast-growing, deciduous tree which is grown in home gardens and as living fences in South Asia and Southeast Asia, where it is commonly sold in local markets. In the Philippines and Indonesia, it is commonly grown for its leaves which are used as food. Moringa is also actively cultivate by the World Vegetable Center in Taiwan, a center for vegetable research. India is the largest producer of moringa, with an annual production of 1.2 million tonnes of fruits from an area of 380 km².
Many parts of moringa are edible, with regional uses:
Immature seed pods called “drumsticks”: They are prepare by parboiling, and cooked in a curry until soft. The seed pods/fruits, even when cook by boiling, remain particularly high in vitamin C (which may be degrade variably by cooking) and are also a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, magnesium, and manganese.
Leaves: The leaves are the most nutritious part of the plant. Being a significant source of B vitamins, vitamin C, provitamin A as beta-carotene, vitamin K, manganese, and protein. When compared with common foods particularly high in certain nutrients per 100 g fresh weight. Cooked moringa leaves are considerable sources of these same nutrients. Additionally the leaves are cook and use like spinach, and are commonly dry and crush into a powder use in soups and sauces.
Mature seeds: The seeds, sometimes removed from more mature pods. And eaten like peas or roasted like nuts. Contain high levels of vitamin C and moderate amounts of B vitamins and also dietary minerals.
Oil pressed from seeds: Mature seeds yield 38–40% edible oil called ben oil from its high concentration of behenic acid. The refined oil is clear and odorless, and resists rancidity. The seed cake remaining after oil extraction may be use as a fertilizer or as a flocculent to purify water. Moringa seed oil also has potential for use as a biofuel.
Roots: Lastly the roots are shred and used as a condiment with sharp flavor qualities deriving from significant content of polyphenols.
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