In line with the national government’s campaign against climate change and environment protection, the Malabon City Solid Waste Management Office (MCSWMO) announced that it will distribute free “malunggay†(moringa oliefera) seeds to individuals or groups interested in re-greening their respective areas.
MCSWMO spokesperson Flor Austria said that the seeds were donated by the Rotary Club of Malabon (RCM).
Austria said that the “malunggay†is an ideal tree in combating the effects of climate change as it is drought resistant and can grow quite fast in dry sandy soil without any water and can be planted with ease in vacant lots or any unused plot of land.
She also added that the “malunggay†can be compared to the coconut tree as all of its parts can be used for food or animal forage.
â€The immature green pods are probably the most valued and widely used part of the tree. They are commonly consumed in India, and are generally prepared in a similar fashion to green beans and have a slight asparagus taste. The seeds are sometimes removed from more mature pods and eaten like peas or roasted like nuts. The flowers are edible when cooked, and are said to taste like mushrooms,†Austria added.
She also said that “malunggay†leaves, eaten cooked or fresh, are highly nutritious, being a significant source of beta-carotene, Vitamin C, protein, iron and potassium.
Aside from its nutritional value, Austria said that “malunggay†bark, roots, fruit, flowers, leaves, seeds and gum are also used as antiseptic and in treating rheumatism aside from venomous insect bites.
She also said that matured “malunggay†seeds when pulped yield 38 to 40 percent edible oil (called ben oil, from the high concentration of behenic acid contained in the oil).
The refined oil is clear, odorless, and resists rancidity at least as well as any other botanical oil. The seed cake remaining after oil extraction may be used as a fertilizer or as a flocculent to purify water. (PNA)
FFC/PFN
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