Moringa oleifera

In the summer there is an absolute glut of drumsticks everywhere! This humble vegetable has been used extensively in all types of traditional Indian cuisine. Moringa gets its name from the Tamil word murungai, meaning “twisted pod”. It is a very tasty and highly nutritious vegetable that exemplifies the adage “food is medicine”.

The fresh seed pods are considered a powerful aphrodisiac and libido enhancer. It is a time-tested remedy for improving vitality and sexual vigour and improves testosterone levels. Nutritionally, the pods are an excellent source of oleic acid, a beneficial monounsaturated fat. Extremely high in vitamin A, B-complex, vitamins C and K, and minerals like calcium, iron and magnesium, this superfood helps build immunity, fight infections, and is considered antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and antimicrobial!! Rich in fibre and protein the seed pods are used as an excellent nutritional supplement for pregnant women.

Using the pods

Traditionally the seed pods are cut into 2-inch-long segments and boiled in sambar. They can also be cooked as a vegetable dish. Here at Solitude, we make a delicious Drumstick Poriyal.

• Cook the 2-inch-long segments and boil it in water with some turmeric and salt.
• Add some onions, tomatoes, mustard seeds, ginger, garlic and dried red chillies, with some oil in a pan.
• Add the cooked seed pods to this with some turmeric powder and chilli powder.
• Add salt, as desired and let it cook for a few minutes.

Your yummy poriyal is ready and can be had with some piping hot rice and Sambar or Rasam.

Harvesting

Moringa seed pods are best harvested when they are still tender green, uniform, and evenly filled with seeds. If they are very young, there will not be enough flesh inside, and if they are more on the mature side, the pods develop a thicker skin, bitter pulp and hard seeds that are not appetizing to eat.

Include this powerhouse of a vegetable in your diet if you haven’t already, and if you already consume it – relish its wonderful, power-packed, deliciousness in every bite!