Full List of Fruits African Moringa
Introduction of African MoringaDescription of African MoringaNutritional Value of African MoringaHealth Benefits of African MoringaHarvesting of fruits
African Moringa
Introduction of African Moringa
Scientific name - Moringa oleifera
Africa Moringa is a drought-resistant tree that is fast-growing tree. With more vitamins, minerals and phyto-nutrients, African Moringa is loaded with nutrition. Native to the southern foothills of the Himalayas in northwestern India, it has a remarkable range of medicinal uses with high nutritional value and medicinal benefits.
Description of African Moringa
African Moringa's scientific name being Moringa Oleifera, its countless benefits are well-known for the people of Africa and Northern India for centuries. Recognized as the tree of life, it has been making a swirl in wellness circle. Cultivation of Moringa certainly has many nutritional benefits and it goes by a variety of names. Just about all parts of the plant can be used for beneficial purposes, they are known as mother's best friend in East Africa. It is a medium-sized evergreen tree that prefers warm and frost-free climate to do well.
Throughout the season, taller plants bear cream-white, flowers which will develop into long slender dark-green edible seedpods with tapering ends. Its pods range from 6-18 inches in length and every single pod features a fleshy pulp and a round seed encased within a wing-shaped coat. The flowers of this fast-growing deciduous tree are bisexual. They are surrounded by finely veined white petals that are yellowish. With a diameter around 1cm, the fruit holds dark brown globular seeds that is 1cm in diameter.
Nutritional Value of African Moringa
| Principle | Nutrient value-Pods | Nutrient value Leaves |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 37 Kcal (2%) | 64 Kcal (3%) |
| Carbohydrates | 8.53 g (6.5%) | 8.28% (6%) |
| Protein | 2.10 g (4%) | 9.40 g (17%) |
| Total Fat | 0.20 g (1%) | 1.40% (7%) |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg (0%) | 0 mg (0%) |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g (8%) | 2.0 g (5%) |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 44 µg (11%) | 40 µg (10%) |
| Niacin | 0.680 mg (4%) | 2.220 mg (14%) |
| Pyridoxine | 0.120 mg (9%) | 1.200 mg (92%) |
| Riboflavin | 0.074 mg (6%) | 0.660 mg (51%) |
| Thiamin | 0.053 mg (4.5%) | 0.257 mg (21.5%) |
| Vitamin A | 74 IU (2.5%) | 7564 IU (252%) |
| Vitamin C | 141mg (235%) | 51.7 mg (86%) |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 42 mg (3%) | 9 mg (0.5%) |
| Potassium | 461 mg (10%) | 337 mg (7%) |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 30 mg (3%) | 185 mg (18.5%) |
| Iron | 0.36 mg (4.5%) | 4.00 mg (50%) |
| Magnesium | 45 mg (11%) | 147 mg (37%) |
| Phosphorous | 50 mg (9%) | 112 mg (20%) |
| Selenium | 8.2 µg (15%) | 0.9 µg (1.5%) |
| Zinc | 0.45 mg (4%) | 0.60 mg (5%) |
Health Benefits of African Moringa
After the planting of 6-8 months, the first harvest can take place, if it's grown from cuttings. In general, the yield is low during the first few years and fruits can't be expected in the first year. During the second year300 pods can be expected approximately followed by 400-500 during the third year. However, a good tree can yield just about 1000 or more pods.
You can enjoy the real taste of it when you buy fresh pods, also make sure that you look for tender, uniform, evenly filled, green color pods. Stay away from dry, withered and broken pods. Over-matured big size pods feature tougher skin thus making it unappetizing.
