Moringa Food

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MORINGA LEAF POWDER

 The leaves of the Moringa oleifera tree are very nutritious. They can be consumed fresh, cooked or dried. Since dried Moringa leaves retain their nutrient content, it is possible to convert them into leaf powder. When there is an abundance of leaves, this leaf powder can be made and stored easily. Moringa Leaf Powder is an excellent nutritional supplement and can be added to any dish.

Making Moringa Leaf Powder

MORINGA LEAF HARVEST
Moringa leaves can be harvested at any time once trees are established. For leaf harvest in intensive production plots, plants are trimmed to 15-50cm (6-20in) above the ground. Intensive plots can be trimmed up to 9 times per year. For leaf harvest in trees, cut the entire tree back to a height of 1-2m (3-6ft); this is best done during the rainy season so that the tree is able to recover before the dry season. Other methods of leaf harvest for trees include: trimming selected branches (leaving some branches for the next harvest or seed production); trimming each branch back by half; and picking a few leaves off of each branch.
Once leaves are harvested, they should be stripped off the stems. During this procedure any damaged or discolored leaves can be set aside for animal feed or compost. [Stems and branches can also be used as animal feed or in compost.] Leaves are then rinsed in clean water or a very weak bleach solution (1:100) to remove dirt and germs.

DRYING MORINGA LEAVES
Leaves should be dried in an area protected from light to prevent the loss of vitamins and protected from dust and pests to prevent contamination. If necessary, leaves can be covered by thin cloth or mosquito netting to help keep them clean while drying. The drying process should be completed as quickly as possible to prevent the growth of molds; if leaves mold or mildew they should be thrown out or used for compost. If the humidity of the air is high, leaves should be spread out in a thin layer and mixed frequently; dehydrators, ovens, driers or fans may be required in cases of extreme humidity. When leaves become brittle and crush easily, they are dry.
Drying suggestions:

Grinding Moringa Leaves

Dried leaves can be made into powder using a mortar & pestle, local grain grinders, burr mills (hand crank or motor driven), or simply by rubbing the dried leaves against a fine screen. Once the dried leaves have been transformed into a powder, the powder is sifted to remove any remaining stems.

Storing Moringa Leaf Powder

Moringa Leaf Powder should be stored in air-tight containers protected from heat, humidity and light. If the powder is not adequately dried or stored it could encourage the growth of molds or mildews which could cause problems ranging from unpleasant to harmful. If stored powder is exposed to heat or light it will degrade and the nutrient content will be reduced. Moringa Leaf Powder can be stored for up to 6 months under the following conditions: clean, dried powder stored in air-tight containers, protected from light and humidity, and kept below 24°C (75 °F).

Using Moringa Leaf Powder

Moringa Leaf Powder can be added to any food or beverage and it will increase the vitamin, mineral and protein content. For healthy individuals, a few spoonfuls of Moringa Leaf Powder can be added to any meal to make it more nutritious. Since the nutrient content of Moringa Leaf Powder decreases if exposed to heat, add the powder after the food or drink has been prepared, just before serving.
Moringa Leaf Powder has the greatest impact on those who are more vulnerable: malnourished children, pregnant or lactating women, children at weaning age, HIV/AIDS patients, and the elderly. Malnourished children ages 1-3 years should consume three rounded tablespoons (25g) of Moringa Leaf Powder each day. Pregnant or lactating women should consume six rounded tablespoons (50g) of Moringa Leaf Powder each day. According to FAO/WHO standards, these amounts provide the following in terms of RDA3:

Leaves Powder Preparation

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