This healthy plant is known to be around for quite some time and is often used in many South Indian cuisines. You can cook with this plant if you want to reap the maximum benefits.

You’re likely to have heard of Moringa if you enjoy reading health and wellness blogs & magazines. Over the past few years, the many edible parts of the South Indian tree have been popularized in the West. They are believed to have significant anti-inflammatory properties and cardiovascular benefits.

How Healthy Is Moringa?

Cynthia Sass MPH, RD wrote in Health magazine about the nutritional benefits of moringa leaves (Source). She said that they are rich in protein and significant sources of Vitamins A and B. Also, they have higher levels than other fruits and vegetables.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, a cup of freshly chopped moringa leaves has 2g of protein, 19%DV of Vitamin B6, 11% DV of Vitamin C, and 11% DV of iron and Vitamin B2. Seed pods are high in vitamin C, and are rich in fiber, potassium, and many other minerals.

Also, check out the Benefits & Importance of Moringa for Pets.

How to Cook with Moringa

Moringa Powder

Moringa powder can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It is a bright green powder with an earthy bitterness that’s similar to green tea matcha powder. Some also call it “nutty” and “spinach-like”. You can make smoothies from it, add it to your breakfast cereal, mix it into muffin batters or use it as a tea.

You can find moringa powder online, in a well-stocked grocery store, and at vitamin and supplement shops. We export premium quality moringa products in bulk to clients and governments globally. To prevent clumping and caking, you will need to keep it in a dry, cool place.

Moringa Leaves

The moringa leaves must be cooked thoroughly before being served. They should be boiled until tender, but once they are done, you can add them to any recipe in the same manner as other leafy greens. They are a wonderful addition to soups or stews such as our Slow Cooker Creamy Lentil Soup, Onion, Kale and Chickpea Soup, and our Chicken Soup. They can be used to make flatbreads or braised with aromatics and spices for a healthy side dish.

You can balance the bitterness by adding some acid or sweetness to the leaves in the same way as you would with cooked kale and collard greens.

South Asian cuisines with moringa leaves include tangy-sweet paste or sour mango powder called amchoor. For this reason, the Filipino chicken-and moringa stew Tinolang Manok uses green papaya to add just the right amount of fruity acidity.

Moringa Pods

It can be difficult to find fresh moringa pods. They become more fibrous and woody the longer they remain on shelves. Instead, search for precut moringa packages in the freezer section at your local international grocery store. Moringa pods may also be available under other names such as drumstick, sahjan or malunggay.

You can add chopped moringa pods into soups, stews, and stir-fries to make them more versatile. They’re just as easy to prepare as okra and green beans. Traditional South Indian soups like Thai Kaeng som and South Indian Sambar include moringa pods. Moringa pods are best paired with spicy, tangy, and earthier flavors.

Must Read: 5 Health Benefits of Moringa Tea.