Increasing Awareness & consumption of nutrient-Dense moringa in California
Project Director
Plant & Health Researcher
Institute for Global Nutrition, University of California, Davis
Moringa oleifera (moringa) is an ideal crop in speed with California’s mission to have better diets, healthier people, and sustainable farming. Moringa is 27 percent protein by dry weight, contains high levels of nutrients, and has health-promoting properties.
We aim to increase consumption and production of climate-sensitive, nutrient-dense moringa in California to address food security, improve health, and foster livelihoods.
With our team of expert and beginning moringa farmers, we will increase knowledge, availability, and access of moringa to over 25,000 residents, with a focus on underserved and underrepresented communities.
We offer in-person and virtual training, and can provide new farmers and organizations support to start growing and eating moringa!
moringa awareness training
INCREASING AWARENESS AND CONSUMPTION OF NUTRIENT-DENSE MORINGA IN CALIFORNIA. Production of climate-sensitive nutrient-dense specialty crops is imperative for sustainable food systems. Moringa oleifera (moringa) is an ideal crop in speed with California’s mission to have a healthier environment, healthier people, and prosperous farmers. Our Specialty Crop Grant is supporting training on moringa through a 3-part series. This Moringa Awareness Training (Part 1 of 3) will discuss historical and modern uses of the plant; geographic and climatic distribution; nutritional and health benefits of leaves, fruits, and seeds; and the environmental benefits of cultivation.
Moringa has Potential to Address California's Challenges in the Health, Environment, & Economic Sectors
There is a need to develop more nutritious specialty crops in California that have less detrimental impact on the environment. Moringa’s rapid-growth correlates with rapid carbon sequestration–helping to address escalating climate change issues. Simultaneously, children and adults need to increase consumption of healthier vegetables such as moringa to combat growing rates of obesity and chronic diseases.
Promotion and increasing awareness of the utility, benefits, and economic potential of moringa is crucial for Californians. Limited water supply and climate change highlight the need for drought-tolerant, fast-growing new crops to offset cost and loss of crops requiring more water, fertilizer, and time for farmers in the state.
Measurable Outcomes
increased consumption
increased access and awareness
Increased Farmers, Income, Markets
This project is funded by the US Department of Food & Agriculture; managed by UC Davis; and supported with in-kind contributions from Kuli Kuli Ltd.. The information provided is from numerous farmers, researchers, and entrepreneurs. Our team strives to co-share and co-create ideas into innovative and sustainable food systems for a more equitable and healthy Californian community.
Please contact us if you are interested in our training program, receiving product samples, or receiving seeds.
Moringa
Moringa oleifera (moringa) is an ideal crop in speed with California’s mission to have a healthier environment, healthier people, and prosperous farmers. Moringa sequesters twenty times the amount of carbon of most vegetation, addressing current climate issues. Simultaneously, children and
adults need to increase consumption of healthier vegetables such as moringa to combat growing rates of obesity and chronic diseases. Moringa is 27 percent protein by dry weight, contains high levels of nutrients, and has health-promoting properties.
Potential Benefits
Nutrition
Provides children with essential vitamins and nutrients.
Stimulates breast milk production for infant nutrition.
Stabilizes body weight. Builds muscle and reduces excess fat.
Builds strong bones.
Health
Reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Controls blood sugar in prevention and treatment of diabetes.
Enhances brain function and memory. Reduces anxiety and headaches.
Prevents inflammation. Treat arthritis in joints.
Boosts immune system helping fight colds and viruses.
Improves energy and body function. Improves sleep.
Agriculture
Can be used as fertilizer and pest control.
Can be grown with other crops to increase their yield.
Moringa sequesters twenty times the amount of carbon of most vegetation. Help address current climate issues.
Moringa leaves as livestock feed has many benefits, including improved animal health, increased productivity, and reduced costs.
Moringa can also be used as a feed ingredient in fish feed, as it is a rich source of protein and other essential nutrients.
Moringa is a highly attractive plant for bees due to its abundant nectar and pollen production.
Added Value Products
Moringa oil is extracted from the seeds of the tree and is rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and other beneficial compounds.
Leaves can be steeped to make a tea that is rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.
Moringa powder is rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein, making it a popular ingredient in smoothies and other health foods.
Moringa supplements are used to provide a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, and are often used for their potential health benefits.
Moringa soap is a gentle and natural alternative to traditional soap.
The use of moringa in water purification is an important application of this versatile plant, and its ability to remove impurities from water has the potential to provide many benefits for communities around the world.