Moringa

Seeds: 10  / Botanical name: Moringa oleifera

A vitamin gift from nature

The English name "horseradish tree" refers to its roots, which have a strong horseradish scent. The fast-growing, deciduous moringa tree produces attractively feathered leaves and creamy-white flowers with an intense fragrance of honey and violets. It is considered a miracle tree because almost all parts of the plant are usable. Its finely ground seeds can disinfect water. In traditional Indian and African medicine, all parts of the moringa tree are used – the sap to stabilize blood pressure, the leaves to reduce inflammation, and the roots for rheumatic ailments. Since moringa is very palatable, it has also become a staple food in many countries. The leaves, pods, and flowers are all edible. Each part of the plant has its own distinct flavor, allowing for uses ranging from fresh produce to powdered form. In Cuba, moringa is considered an inexpensive source of raw materials for herbal medicine and dietary supplements, as well as a promising agricultural product. In Cuba, moringa is considered an inexpensive source of raw materials for herbal medicine and dietary supplements, as well as a promising agricultural product.

Natural habitat: Originally native to the Himalayan region of northwestern India, moringa is now widespread throughout the tropics and subtropics worldwide – primarily in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean islands.