Malunggay

Malunggay leaves. Photo by Angie Pastor.

Scientific name: Moringa oleifera

Moringa is a tree known as sajina in South Asian countries like India. In English, it is sometimes called referred to as horseradish tree or horseradish plant, although it’s a different species from the horseradish that Westerners know.

Dahon ng malunggay (moringa leaves) are widely used in Philippine cuisine, particularly in Filipino soups and broths like tinola and dinengdeng. They are rich in vitamins A and C and iron.

Bunga ng malunggay (the fruit pods) can also be used in vegetable dishes like dinengdeng or pinakbet.

Buto ng malunggay (moringa seeds) has been used for water purification. They can also be ground into powder to be taken as a nutritional supplement.