I’ve learnt about the bountiful benefits of the moringa plant so we managed to get two saplings about a month ago and planted them in pots.
They are both growing very well.
After learning to identify the leaves, we noticed at least five moringa trees in our neighbourhood, by the roadside. They aren’t very tall too, but I was told they can grow to be as tall as a double-storey house.
The moringa plant/tree is so useful that every part of its plant can be eaten. It has been used in India for thousands of years and my brilliant pharmacist says it is indeed a super superfood. Moringa powders are very readily available in shops and not expensive too. What a great plant!
As far as I know, cats and dogs may like to chew on the leaves, but I have not done enough research on this yet. I do know it’s been known to be helpful for dogs with cancer. Again, please find out more from your veterinarian.
Anyway, the other day when I was chatting with my friend, Ivan Ho, who runs Jungle Farm, he says dried moringa powder is very safe to consume, but if we were to consume the fresh leaves, always cook it with some oil. If without oil, it can be very potent and may cause gastroinestinal issues like diarrhoea. “Cook it the Indian way”, he said, “with oil”.
So, okay. He knows better as he lives in the jungle. I normally stir fry and boil my vegetables without oil, so today, I added some coconut oil to my breakfast dish, because I cooked it with some moringa leaves from our own garden!
As with the principle of feeding cats, when introducing a new food, always do it in very small amounts and check for diarrhoea, if any. I’m using the same principle on myself!
So, it’s just one sprig of moringa leaves into my vegetable dish. With a little bit of coconut oil, “the Indian way”, as Ivan advised.
Bon Appetit!
Have a wonderful meatless meal…for the animals!