Moringa oleifera tree is mentioned in the bible as the miracle tree and it is used in different fields even during Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilizations. Moringa Tree is a subtropical tree and grows 9 to 10 feet in height. Harvesting during early summer is performed by removing the leaves directly from the tree. They can be easily removed at the base of petiole. Eco friendly procedures are adopted in organic farming. Early hours in morning or late hours in evening the preferred time for harvesting of leaves and other produces. You have to make sure that produces before harvesting are free from dew, especially in the morning. This will avoid rotten conditions during transport of the tree produces.

Manual harvesting of shoots and leaves are done with pair of shears or a sickle. After harvest all shoots are cut at 3-4 meter height for easy harvesting. This ensures bushy growth and good leaves yield. Research studies confirmed that this low temperature dried leaf powder has twice the amount of nutrients than fresh leaves. Tree leaves should be low temperature dried within six hours of harvesting. If you want to retain the nutrients value, it is advisable to control the temperature and air circulation is provided during the drying process.

Moringa oleifera tree propagation

Soaking of the moringa seeds in water for about 12 hours increases the sprouting rate. The seeds are covered in wet cloth and stored in a dry place. Then they are planted in pots or in the soil about 3/4 to 1 inch deep. They grow well in well drained soil. Keep the young seedlings in a warm place with regular watering. Water them every day till they reach few inches above the ground and then water on alternate days.

In seed farms, pods are harvested immediately when they become brown and dry. At this stage, fruits open easily. Seeds are then extracted, bagged and stored in a dry place. The seeds with pods are used for weight loss. The dried quality seeds can be used for growing the plant either for seeds or leaves purpose. Moringa trees have a list of medicinal, nutritive and practical uses that only few plants possess. A moringa tree offers leaves for nutrition, oil for cooking. Falling leaves serve as excellent green manure. Seed cake is used for water purification and poultry feed.

Moringa oleifera tree benefits

A well pruned tree gives shade for other small plants. It can survive in dry conditions, where its benefits are highly needed. Moringa plays a vital role in many health and nutrition programs funded by various charitable organizations in drought prone areas. Moringa leaf powder capsules and leaf powder are ideal nutritional supplements with 30% protein, all essential amino acids, 27 vitamins and 46 antioxidants.

Moringa oleifera leaves the impoverished in parts of the world where drought is common. In African countries, the uses of leaf powder and capsules are propagated through service minded institutions. Non Governmental Organizations are involved in this noble cause. Philanthropists donate to buy the nutritious capsules and leaf powder. Women and children can get the daily recommended allowance of vitamins amino acids and minerals from moringa leaves.

The moringa oleifera tree

Moringa leaf powder has multiple nutritional benefits. There are about 14 species of moringa trees in the Moringaceae family. This tropical trees are native to the Red Sea location, India and countries in African region including Madagascar. Of these species, moringa oleifera is a drought tolerant, medium-sized, evergreen tree that is also grown in warm, frost-free climates. This tree can be grown both from cuttings as well as from propagation through seeds.

Growing moringa oleifera drumstick tree

Now it is possible to grow moringa tree in cold climatic regions. When the plants are young, you can keep them indoor. If you are growing them in a farm the seedlings can be kept at nearby green houses. Once the temperature goes above 70’ F, the plants will be safe. You can use heat emitting bulbs to protect the stem and root from frost. A wire net is used to cover the tree trunk and the tree will remain formant during frost. Once the summer climate is fine, the tree will again start to send shoots.