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Molokhia (Egyptian spinach)

December 5, 2014, 3:00 am
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Molokhia is a highly nutritious ancient super-green from the Middle-East. It's also known as Egyptian spinach, jute mallow or Jew's mallow. Botanically, it's Corchorus olitorius. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked; use them fresh in salads, cooked as a side vegetable, or made into soup. The cooked leaves are mucilaginous, and dried leaves can be used as a thickener in soups or brewed as a tea.

The nutritious leaves are high in vitamins A, C, E, K, potassium, calcium and magnesium, and also contain beta carotene, iron, and more than 32 vitamins, minerals and trace elements. It’s said to aid digestion, improve vision, lower stress, and increase libido among other health benefits. The leaves also contain 6 different anti-oxidants.

Seed should be sown in spring when the soil is warm. Plants grow quickly and are ready for a first cutting in about 60-70 days.
Harvest by cutting the upper 6-8 inches of growth. The tender stems from this region are also edible if finely cut up along with the leaves. Repeat cuttings can be made from each flush of new growth until you run out of summer. Alternatively, you can sow seeds in succession and harvest the entire young plant at once.

Plants have a strongly upright growth habit, but each successive harvest of  the newer growth forces more branching. Individual leaves are 2-3 inches in length. If left uncut, molokhia can reach 6 feet tall.

In fall, as the days shorten, the plant ceases leafy growth and starts to flower. For this reason, molokhia is not a good choice for a fall garden where temperatures permit; the plant just wants to bloom and you'll get nothing leafy to harvest.

The flowers are bright yellow and emerge from the leaf axils.

Soon after blooming the seedpods start to develop. They grow to about the same length as the leaves.
The plant declines as the seedpods reach maturity and dry to a tan or black color.
The pods are a 5-sectioned capsule filled with many angular, greenish-tinted seeds.


The stems of the plant are the source of jute fiber, and that is its primary reason for cultivation in India.

Although Corchorus olitorius likely originated in Africa, it is now pan-tropical and in some countries it is considered a weed (perhaps testament to its ease of cultivation). As a garden vegetable it can be successfully cropped anywhere the growing season exceeds 70 days.

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Papalo (Porophyllum ruderale ssp. macrocephalum)

December 8, 2014, 3:03 am
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Papalo (Porophyllum ruderale ssp. macrocephalum) is a traditional Mexican herb commonly used fresh with salads, sandwiches, soups, stews, meats or beans. It is only used fresh, or added to cooked foods at the end of cooking. It is never dried.

Many restaurants in Mexico keep a vase of this cut herb on the table so patrons may pull off some leaves and add it to their meal as desired.

In the garden it's a fast-growing annual that can reach 7 feet tall in a season, if not cut back. If you're using it regularly in the kitchen, you'll have no problem keeping it trimmed down to size. In fact, it's better if you do cut it regularly; tall slender plants are more prone to being blown over or simply bending under their own weight.

The leaves are rounded and about 2 inches in diameter. It grows best in full sun, but will tolerate partial shade.

Also known as papaloquelite, yerba porosa, or poreleaf (the undersides of the leaves have large visible pores).

As the days shorten in the fall, the plant ceases leaf production and starts to bloom. At first the buds point downward, but as they get ready to open they point up.

The flowers look like brushy stubble on the end of an elongated bud.

The blooms are pollinated by bees and are prolific seed producers. After a couple of months, the seedhead splits open to reveal a buff-colored fluff-ball that releases seed onto the wind, floating to new growing locations.

Papalo is native to Mexico, but can be found growing wild in the Southwestern U.S. Many websites list various health benefits associated with this herb, but I am unable to find any scientific documentation to support these claims. Eat it because it's good, and maybe it's good for you!

Read about the closely related subspecies, Quilquina.

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Billbergia amoena var. striata

December 19, 2014, 3:46 am
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Billbergia amoena var. striata generally blooms in late fall or winter, but it looks good even when not in bloom. The flower spike features bright pinkish-red bracts with contrasting pale green flowers tipped in vivid blue.

It has one of the most open rosettes of any of the Billbergias, and when not in bloom could even be mistaken for Neoregelia! Mature plants can have a spread of about 18 inches.

This striata form has leaves that are nicely striped with fine bands of varying shades of green.
New growth has a rosy tint.

In higher light the coloration endures throughout the foliage.

This is a stoloniferous species so they make large clumps quickly. If container-grown, they need repotting or dividing on an annual basis.



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Katuk (Sauropus androgynus)

January 3, 2015, 3:11 am
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Katuk is an edible leafy shrub that thrives in tropical or subtropical climates. It's botanically known as Sauropus androgynus.

Nearly all parts of the plant can be eaten raw or cooked. The leaflets are easily stripped from the petioles and added to salads, sandwiches, soups or stir-fries. Tender young shoots are usually steamed, and the fruits can be added to salads or vegetable dishes.

The pinnate leaves can reach up to 2 feet in length, and the overall plant height can be 7-8 feet or more if not kept cut back.
Some cultivars show a silvery mottling on the leaflets that may be randomly scattered or in attractive patterns, depending on the individual plant.

Katuk prefers a little shade in hot climates, but will grow in full sun as long as the soil is kept moist. An evenly moist soil is also conducive to faster, more lush, growth.
The unusual flowers form on the underside of the leaf petiole and continue to open throughout the growing season.

Some cultivars may require cross-pollination with another cultivar in order to set fruit. Others appear to be self-pollinating. The fruits are creamy-white marble-sized balls that hang from the petiole on a short stem.

When fully mature, they split open to reveal up to 6 black angular seeds.

For propagation, the seeds should be sown immediately, and usually take at least 2-3 months to germinate.

Katuk is native to Borneo, and is recommended for USDA Zones 9b-11. Elsewhere, it can be container-grown and protected from the cold.

Sauropus androgynus is also sometimes known as Sweetleaf or Cinnamon leaf.


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Aechmea weilbachii forma leodiensis

January 17, 2015, 2:27 am
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Aechmea weilbachii forma leodiensis typically blooms during the late fall through early winter period. The inflorescence is held erect, well above the foliage, for a beautiful display. The spike is red and the flowers are lavender-purple. The vivid color combinations are attractive long before the flowers even open.

The plant grows up to 2 feet tall and wide. Leaves are thin and flexible with soft spines near the base. The foliage is dark green, and some cultivars have a maroon or reddish blush on the new growth.

Shade or filtered sunlight is preferred for the best-looking plant.

The flower spike is long-lasting, often remaining in good color for 3 months or more.

There are two other forms of Ae. weilbachii. See also
Ae. weilbachii forma viridisepala and
Ae. weilbachii forma pendula
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Taro, Dasheen (Colocasia esculenta)

June 3, 2015, 3:00 am
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Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is a tropical starchy root crop. The large, "elephant-ear" type leaves can grow 2-3 feet long and 1-2 feet wide. Each leaf emerges from an underground corm and the overall plant height can be 5-6 feet.

In addition to the corm, the leaves and stems are also edible. The immature leaves are boiled or steamed and served as greens. The stems are peeled and boiled, and served as a vegetable. They must be cooked to break down the oxalates in the tissues. Varieties with naturally lower levels of oxalates make better cooked greens.

The corms are peeled and baked, boiled or steamed. When cooked and mashed with water, taro becomes poi, a traditional food in Hawaii.
The flesh color of the corm may be white, yellow, lavender or pink. In ancient Hawaii, where Taro had been extensively grown for generations, there were as many as 300 named varieties. There are both upland and wetland varieties. Upland cultivars are also known as Dasheen.

Taro grows best in partial shade, but will grow in full sun if given plenty of water. Best growth is in soils high in organic matter. It will also grow in standing water up to 12 inches deep.

As it grows, multiple smaller plants form around the original corm.

By the end of the growing season, most of these corms, or "eddoes", will be big enough to eat.

Taro is propagated by dividing the clump, and re-planting the smaller corms surrounding the original. These are planted 2-3 inches deep and 2 feet apart.

Taro is perennial in USDA Zones 8-11, but can be grown as an annual elsewhere.

Colocasia esculenta also has many uses in traditional medicines:
Some infections respond to the use of Taro leaves mashed with salt. This poultice can be applied to an injury, covered and wrapped with a large Taro leaf (I wouldn't do this on any open wounds!). 

Undiluted poi is sometimes used as a poultice on infected sores. A piece of Taro stem can be touched to the skin to stop surface bleeding. For a sting from an insect, the stem leaf (petiole) can be cut and rubbed on the afflicted area, preventing swelling and pain. (Whistler,W.A. 1992. Polynesian Herbal Medicine.) Note: people with sensitive skin can experience irritation from contact with the sap.

Taro is native to tropical Southeast Asia, but was long ago spread around the world by ancient travelers.

There are similar-looking plants that belong to other genera, other species, or are different cultivars of this species, but the true taro is the only one with peltate leaves (the petiole is attached to the center of the leaf blade).

There are also ornamental varieties of this species that are grown only for the attractive leaves, and are not considered good eating varieties.
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Sword bean (Canavalia gladiata)

October 29, 2015, 3:00 am
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Everything about the sword bean (Canavalia gladiata) is impressive. From the time the first true leaves emerge from the seed, until the pods split open to reveal their giant pink seeds, there's something awe-inspiring about this plant.

The pink seeds are about the size of a quarter, and get even larger if soaked before planting.

The cotyledons are pulled up out of the ground as the roots head downward, and when the first true leaves emerge, they can be 6-8 inches in diameter. Here's a seedling next to a 4-inch pot for scale:

From there, they quickly shoot up and start twining around, looking for something to climb on. Yes, this bean is a climber, so give it a sturdy support that will endure throughout the growing season. I like to grow them on dead trees, since many types of garden supports will collapse under the weight of the vines.

By mid-summer, the lavender-pink flowers appear in clusters all up and down the vine.

If pollination is successful, the bean pods start to develop, and eventually reach over a foot in length. It takes about 90 days from planting for the beans to reach a maturity at which they can be picked and eaten.

For fresh eating, the pods should be picked while they're still tender, and before the beans start to swell up too much inside. At that stage, the pods can be sliced cross-wise and boiled until tender. Discard the cooking water.

If you wait too long to eat them fresh, just let them finish maturing until the pods are dry. It will take an additional 2-3 months of growing to get to this stage.

Then the beans can be shelled out and cooked, but require soaking overnight and thorough cooking in  2-3 changes of water to rid the beans of potential toxins. For this reason, they are usually picked and eaten when the pods are still tender.

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Giant Vine Fern (Stenochlaena tenuifolia)

December 18, 2015, 2:48 am
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Giant Vine Fern (Stenochlaena tenuifolia) is an impressive species with large fronds up to 4 feet in length. It makes an excellent tall groundcover for large areas under trees, or a lush background planting for other colorful or flowering plants.

The leaves have heavy substance and are long-lasting as cut greens in floral arrangements. Young fiddleheads are edible if cooked until tender.

Once established, this fern spreads by rhizomes that run along the soil surface. The rhizomes are also able to climb trees, preferably those with rough or fibrous trunks for easier attachment.

Mature specimens of Giant Vine Fern grow a few specialized fertile fronds that produce spores, by which this plant can be propagated, although it's much simpler and faster to use sections of the rhizome. In the next photo you can see a thin, fertile, spore-producing frond compared to the typical foliage.


Here's a closer view of the spores:

This species will grow in sun or shade, and wet or dry conditions. The foliage looks best with at least a little shade in tropical regions. In the sunniest locations moist soil is preferred. I've never had to provide any irrigation beyond our natural rainfall when growing it in morning sun. Its tolerance for adverse conditions also make it a good houseplant.

Stenochlaena tenuifolia is native to equatorial Africa, and is recommended for USDA Zones 9-11. It can be container-grown anywhere.
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Water chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis)

January 28, 2016, 3:22 am
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Eleocharis dulcis is commonly known as water chestnut or Chinese water chestnut. The edible part of the plant is the underground corm, which is typically harvested when the plant dies down in the fall.


Prepare water chestnuts for eating by peeling away the brown covering on the corm. Inside you'll find the white edible portion. It can be eaten raw or cooked.

Water chestnut prefers to grow in boggy soils, or submerged under a few inches of water. The hollow leaves grow to about 1.5 feet tall, giving it a grassy appearance.

Water chestnuts are easy to grow in backyard ponds or water gardens. Even a 5-gallon bucket will do. Simply plant them in the spring and they will continue to multiply throughout the growing season. Here's the result of one season of growth in a 10-inch diameter pot:

Eleocharis dulcis is native to Southeast Asia and Australia. It is perennial in USDA Zones 8-11. In colder regions, the corms can be dug and stored in wet refrigeration for the winter, then re-planted in early spring. A full sun or mostly sunny location is preferred.

Here's a short video on growing and harvesting water chestnuts from a 5-gallon bucket:

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Dioscorea bulbifera, edible air potato

December 23, 2016, 3:00 am
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The information contained in this post is entirely about the edible cultivated varieties of Dioscorea bulbifera. The wild air potatoes you find growing in the woods are NOT edible.

This is one of the true yams that are tropical in origin. Yams are twining vines that quickly climb to the top of any available support. They can completely cover nearby trees or shrubs so plant it in an appropriate location.

While the plant is in active growth it will put out aerial tubers at many of the leaf joints. These aerial tubers are peeled and boiled as a vegetable.

The aerial tubers will grow where they fall on the ground, so pick them up and eat them if you don't want more vines taking over your garden!

Dioscorea bulbifera will produce well in sun or light shade. The plants are very drought-tolerant once established. They are perennial in regions where the ground soil doesn't freeze during the winter. In colder locations they can be grown as an annual, saving some of the aerial tubers for replanting each year.

There are a few different cultivated varieties in circulation;

'Hawaii' has dark, rounded tubers with a bumpy skin and glossy sheen.

'Africa' has gray, angular tubers with a rougher texture.

Dioscorea bulbifera is considered an invasive species in Florida and some other southern states, but the agricultural laws do not differentiate between the wild air potatoes and these cultivated edible varieties. Here is a photo of the wild variety for comparison:


In an effort to keep wild air potatoes under control, Florida has introduced an invasive beetle from China to eat the leaves and aerial tubers.

This initially seemed to have an effect since the leaves quickly became riddled with holes by the feeding beetles, but the air potatoes have sprouted again every spring with no apparent decrease in vigor. In addition, the beetles appear to be parasitized by some other insect which reduces the beetle population.
The beetles feed on both the wild air potatoes and the edible cultivated varieties. They have also been found feeding on other species of plants. Here's one feeding on Quisqualis indica:
This may yet prove to be another example of an intentionally imported species having unforeseen consequences in its new environment.
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Zamia maritima (cardboard plant)

February 10, 2017, 3:00 am
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Zamia maritima is a cycad, a taxonomic branch that has existed virtually unchanged since the time of the dinosaurs. Its thick, firm leaflets are the reason it is often known as cardboard plant.
The leaf petioles are covered with numerous stiff prickles.


The natural spread of mature plants is about 4 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide, so give them some room in the landscape. Although the leaves can remain on the plant in good condition for several years, each year sees just one flush of new leaves all at once.

On young plants the leaves grow in a rosette around a single growing point, as in the first photo.
As it matures, the plant has a clumping growth habit, and increases in diameter by splitting off new growing points, each with their own rosette of leaves. This is the same plant 5 years later:

The individual plants are either male or female, and can be identified by their blooms, which appear in early summer.

Male plants produce slender, upright, tan/brown cones.

Female plants produce cones that are fatter, and with larger segments.

Male plants produce their cones in large quantities, and male plants also tend to form more offsets.

The seeds develop inside the cone for 7-8 months, then the cone splits open to reveal the bright red, glossy fruits.

The fruits are toxic to dogs. If you are concerned about your pets, plant male specimens, or remove the female cones any time before they split open.

Zamia maritima is native to Mexico, and is recommended for USDA Zones 9-11. It will grow in sun or shade, and also makes a durable houseplant. This species is drought-tolerant, as well as salt-tolerant, and can be used in beach-side plantings.

Propagation is by seed.
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Rose apple (Syzygium jambos)

May 15, 2017, 3:11 am
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Syzygium jambos is a small tree or large shrub bearing delicious yellow fruits with the flavor of rosewater.
The yellow blooms are borne in clusters at the ends of the previous season's growth. In subtropical locations flowering usually occurs in spring. The flowers consist of numerous stamens and one stigma, and the trees are quite showy when in bloom.

The clusters of yellow fruits ripen 3 months after flowering. Individual fruits are about an inch in diameter. When fully ripe they will drop from the tree, but they can be picked once they have turned from green to solid yellow.

The fruits are hollow and may contain 1 to 4 seeds. The flesh is slightly crunchy and somewhat dry, but with an amazing aroma and flavor reminiscent of rosewater. They are usually eaten fresh, but can also be made into jams, jellies, or syrup.

The seeds are dark brown, and have a rough, almost sandpaper texture.They are poly-embryonic and may produce 1 to 3 seedlings from each seed.

Syzygium jambos grows to about 18 feet tall, often with multiple trunks. Some specimens get much larger. Leaves are opposite, lanceolate, and about 8 inches long by 2 inches wide.

New growth is a coppery-red color, gradually turning dark green as the leaves harden off.
The bark on the trunk is gray and slightly furrowed.

This species is believed to be native to Southeast Asia, but is grown in tropical and subtropical climates around the world. It is recommended for USDA Zones 9b-11.

Propagation is generally by seed, but air-layers are also possible. Cuttings have a low success rate.

Syzygium jambos is commonly known as Rose Apple.


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Senna mexicana var. chapmanii (Bahama senna)

July 11, 2017, 3:07 am
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Among all the species in the Cassia/Senna group, Senna mexicana is one of the most desirable to grow. It flowers nearly continuously throughout the year, providing plenty of color in the landscape. It also generally grows no more than 3 to 4 feet tall, making it easier to manage in small landscapes and butterfly gardens.

Yes, this is a great butterfly plant, serving as a larval food plant for the Cloudless Sulphur, Orange-barred Sulphur, and Sleepy Orange butterflies.

Senna mexicana is native to Central and South America, the Caribbean, and South Florida.
It is recommended for USDA Zones 9b - 11, but stays small enough to be container-grown anywhere.

It will grow in full sun to light shade. Although flowering is probably best in full sun, mine bloom well with only a couple of hours of late-afternoon sunlight.

The evergreen leaves are alternate and pinnate. Flowers are followed by flat, dry pods that turn brown when mature.

Established plants are drought-tolerant, and they are also salt-tolerant, making this a good choice for coastal plantings.

Propagation is usually by seed.
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Ipomoea macrorhiza (pink moonvine, large-root morning glory)

September 24, 2019, 3:21 am
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Ipomoea macrorhiza has beautiful nocturnal flowers and an edible root. It is a true perennial; the vines go dormant in the winter and sprout from the short stem at the top of the root in the spring.

The vines twine around upright supports as they grow, and seem to do little branching. They start blooming at a height of about 6-7 feet. This species will also grow as a groundcover if there is nothing to climb on.

Flower buds often appear in clusters at each node. The buds at a single node generally do not open on the same night, instead blooms will be scattered along the vine each night during the bloom period. Flowering occurs in late summer.

The pale pink flowers are about 4 inches across, and have a purple throat. The deep tubular throat is nearly as deep as the flower is wide. There is no detectable scent.

The triangular leaves have a crinkled appearance, especially when young. The furled leaves and growing tips appear white.

Native Americans cultivated this plant for its large, starchy roots.

During the dormant season, the root can be harvested and eaten, either raw or cooked. Its flavor, color and texture is nearly identical to jicama.

The dry, brown seedpods contain several fuzzy seeds.


Even seedlings only a few weeks old already have a thick, elongated root.



Ipomoea macrorhiza is native to the Southeastern U.S. It is recommended for USDA Zones 7-10.

This species is also known as pink moonvine and large-root morning glory.

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Alpinia hainanensis

September 16, 2020, 1:14 am
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Alpinia hainanensis is a large, fast-growing species of ginger. At first glance, one might assume it is a shell ginger, but there are several key distinctions. 

This species grows about 6 feet tall and tolerates sun or shade. Flowers appear in spring at the top of all mature canes. The inflorescence is an arching cluster of a couple dozen flowers, opening in sequence. 


The floral buds are soft pink and open to reveal a reddish throat and large, bright yellow lip marked by red striations.


Pollinated flowers develop into round green fruits that develop over the summer. 


By late summer, the seedpods mature and turn bright orange. They keep good color throughout the winter. It is these orange fruits that are grated and used as a cardamom substitute.


Alpinia hainensis multiplies by long rhizomes that spread out underground from each cane. 


This results in a fast-spreading plant with canes spaced a foot or more apart. The canes are evergreen and will live for several years.


The leaves are about 30 inches long, and glossy, with distinctive ruffled edges. The leaves and stems are highly fragrant when brushed against.


The native region of Alpinia hainanensis is south-east Asia. It is one of the hardiest of the Alpinias, surviving underground in USDA Zone 8, although flowering won't occur where the canes freeze back.


Propagation is normally by division of the rhizomes, but it is also easily grown from seed.

There is a horticultural cultivar sold under the name 'Pink Perfection'.

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The history of our farm

January 7, 2022, 5:15 am
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This year our farm is celebrating 35 years of growing in this location, but the history of the land goes back much further than that.

Human populations have been living in this region for thousands of years. Paleo-americans were in the area as early as 14,000 years ago. Occupation by native tribes continued through the Archaic, Mount Taylor and St. Johns periods of pre-history. By the 1500s the Timucua were the main tribe. In the 1700s the Seminoles moved into the area and became the dominant population.

European immigrants arrived and the original survey of this land was completed in 1848. The Bureau of Land Management designated it as available to homestead in 1862, and the first settlers started arriving around 1877. The BLM made the original homestead grant of this property to Swedish immigrant Otto F. Johnson in 1890. He lived to age 72 and is buried in the local cemetery.

This land was part of the thriving Swedish colony of Piedmont in 1890. The Florida Central and Peninsula Railroad station was constructed that same year, and there was a small store and schoolhouse. Residents cultivated citrus, grapes, produce, livestock and poultry.


In 1889 The Piedmont Winery produced 3360 gallons of wine made from oranges and local muscadine grapes, and shipped wine as far as Nebraska. The Piedmont sawmill operated from the late 1890s until the 1920s.


The Piedmont post office opened in 1903 to serve 75 residents in 17 homes. It operated until 1922. Eventually the mailing addresses in Piedmont were shifted to Apopka, and the little community became a historical memory. When I bought this property in 1987 the post office building was still standing and was visible from my house. It burned to the ground a few years later. There are at least two homes still standing that date to around 1900.


I haven't been able to trace the ownership or land use of my farm between Otto Johnson and the early 1950s, but there is an old concrete foundation on my property that dates to that time period. A pecan grove and the remains of an ancient citrus grove still existed here in the late 1980s.

Piedmont resident John Ipsen at his home circa 1890.

Without a doubt, I have created the most diverse agricultural use this land has ever seen, while still maintaining a natural setting. I hope future caretakers of this land will continue on this path.

I leave off with a photo of a community gathering on or near my farm circa 1910. My house faces Blue Lake, where this photo was taken.


As we celebrate our 35 years, follow our Facebook page to get notifications of our giveaways and special deals all this year!



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Piper sarmentosum (wild betel, lolot)

August 27, 2023, 12:41 pm
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 Piper sarmentosum is an herbaceous perennial, native to Southeast Asia, but is now cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions around the world.


It is a popular culinary herb in its native land. The leaves are used to wrap meat and other foods, and they can also be eaten raw in salads. They have a mild herbal flavor that complements a variety of dishes. They are also good in soups and vegetable dishes.

Photo courtesy of one of my customers.

The leaves are dark green and glossy, and about 4 inches across. Thin, erect stems grow to a height of about 2-3 feet, and send out runners that root at each node where it touches the soil.



The plant also produces small, white flowers in spikes.


Piper sarmentosum will grow in sun or shade. The leaves are usually larger and darker green in the shade. Plants in full sun may need additional watering to look their best. This species is recommended for USDA Zones 9-12. Propagation is by transplanting the rooted runners.

The plant is known as "wild betel" because its leaves are similar in appearance to the closely related betel leaves, but these have a milder flavor. 

Lolot has a long history of medicinal use. The plant has traditionally been used to treat a variety of conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, cough, fever, and rheumatism. Recent research has confirmed some of these traditional uses, and lolot is now being investigated for its potential to treat other diseases as well. The plant has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. Lolot is a safe and effective herb for most people, but it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using it if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any underlying health conditions.

Photo courtesy of one of my customers.

Related reading: Piper auritum

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Moringa oleifera

September 9, 2023, 5:51 pm
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Moringa oleifera is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant tree that is native to the Indian subcontinent. It is also known as the drumstick tree, the horseradish tree, or the miracle tree. Moringa is a highly nutritious plant that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of health conditions.


Moringa is relatively easy to cultivate and is recommended for USDA Zones 9-11, or it can be grown as an annual crop in colder climates. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. The trees will quickly grow to a height of 10-20 feet. To encourage leaf production and to make harvesting easier, keep the trees topped to force a more bushy habit. Moringa trees can be harvested for their leaves, flowers, seeds, or pods throughout the year.


Moringa leaves and flowers can be eaten fresh, cooked or dried. They can also be made into a powder or tea. The leaves have 7 times more vitamin C than oranges, 10 times more vitamin A than carrots, 17 times more calcium than milk, 9 times more protein than yoghurt, 15 times more potassium than bananas, and 25 times more iron than spinach, according to the National Institute of Nutrition in India (Gopalan C., B.V. Rama Sastri & S.C. Balasubramanian. 1981. Nutritive values of Indian foods. National Institute of Nutrition, Indian Council of Medical Research, Hyderabad, India).


The tender young pods can be eaten raw or cooked.

Moringa seeds can be eaten raw or roasted. They can also be pressed for oil that is high in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid.


Some of the benefits of using moringa include reduced blood sugar levels, lowered cholesterol levels and boosted immunity. It has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
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