The leaves of Moringa, this small tree found in the tropics, were recently identified by the World Vegetable Center (Taiwan) as the vegetable with the highest nutritional value among 120 types of food species studied. Easy to cultivate and resistant to drought, this tree produces abundant leaves with a high concentration of proteins, vitamins, and minerals: 100 grams of fresh Moringa leaves provide the same amount of protein as an egg, more iron than a steak, as much Vitamin C as an orange, and as much calcium as a glass of milk.
Moringa grows throughout the developing world and has already been used by programs to reduce child malnutrition in India. For over forty years, WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO) has been using the tree to combat malnutrition.
Its dried leaves, in powder form, can be easily preserved and used. Eating 30 grams a day, a child can satisfy all his daily requirement of Vitamin A, 80% of daily calcium needs, 60% of daily iron needs, and nearly 40% of protein needs.
Given the world food crisis, the use of local resources like Moringa is critical to reduce the dependence of developing countries n imported goods, and to improve nutrition among poor households. Two or three trees in a courtyard are sufficient for the needs of one family.