Moringa oleifera - Moringacea
"Drumstick Tree", "Horseradish Tree", "Mother's Best Friend", "West Indian Ben", "The Miracle Tree", or "Tree of Paradise"
Food and Cosmetics
The tree
The tropical Moringa tree belongs to the Moringaceae family. It is
native to northeast India, but also thrives in Africa, Madagascar, Asia
and South America. It can be found in very arid regions like the
Sahara, but adapts equally well to humid, semi-tropical climates.
Because its roots grow very deep, it can survive several months without
water. "Nébédaye", the name given to it by the Senegalese, is thought
to come from the English "Never die". When it is cut or when young
sprouts are burned by the sun, it grows back again with the first
rainfall.
It can be used for countless purposes: the seeds contain an edible oil
which can also be used to soften babies' skin when applied locally. The
powder obtained by crushing the seeds has water-purifying properties.
The leaves are used to fight diseases resulting from malnutrition. They
contain twice as many lipids as milk, three times more potassium than a
banana, four times more vitamin A than a carrot, and seven times more
vitamin C than an orange.
Oil Extraction
The seeds are contained in three-lobed pods. Each pod contains between
12 and 35 round, black seeds in a brownish hull with three white wings.
A single tree can produce between 15,000 and 25,000 seeds per year.
The oil is pressed from the seeds of the tree. The de-hulled seeds, or kernels, contain 42% oil. It is bright yellow in color.
Internationally, the oil is known as "Ben oil".
Composition
Rich in unsaturated fatty acids, with 70-73 % oleic acid, but also in
vitamins (C, A, B), minerals (potassium, calcium, etc.) and protein.
Fatty acids:
Palmitic acid C16:0 6.2 %
Palmitoleic acid C16:1 1.4 %
Stearic acid C18:0 5.7 %
Oleic acid C18:1 70.0%
Linoleic acid C18:2 w6 0.8 %
Linolenic acid C18:3 w3 0.1 %
Arachidonic acid C20:0 3.9 %
Gadoleic acid C20:1 2.1 %
Behenic acid 7.7 %
Moringa seeds contain a cationic polyelectrolyte which can be used with
proven efficacy as a replacement for aluminum sulfate in treating and
purifying drinking water.
The oil cake is rich in antibacterial elements and protein.
Properties
The oil is used to great benefit for culinary purposes. Ground into powder, the dried seeds are used for purifying water.
Employed for medical purposes by indigenous populations, it is known as
"the Miracle Tree". When pressed, its seeds yield the precious Moringa
oil with its exceptional healing properties.
Culinary Use
Moringa oil is edible and is used for seasoning and for frying, since it does not turn rancid.
Cosmetic uses
Moringa oil soothes and softens the skin. It moisturizes and
revitalizes chronic dry skin, sometimes subject to itching or flaking.
It is used as an anti-wrinkle and an anti-aging substance.
Reputed for its capacity to absorb and retain volatile substances, it
is equally valuable in the perfume industry for stabilizing scents.
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