Moringa tree planting

My father Sardar Vasdev Singh had a great fondness for the Suanjhana tree, known scientifically as Moringa oleifera. We had grown up two trees near our tubewell on our Nehri land. My Dad would frequently bring home the fruits of flowers and drumsticks of Suanjhana and make my mother cook them for our family. The rare vegetable thus cooked in our home style was tasty and delicious. The younger drumsticks will also be used like beans and will make another delicious ‘Sabzi’ as reminded by my cousin Nindi from Germany. Another cousin Pushpa Agnihotri suggests an innovative idea of making flowers stuffed Paronthas. When there are so many medical advantages, why not try different permutation and combinations.

Drumsticks, flowers and a whole young tree

The left over flowers will be dried in the sun and kept for use during winter. The drumsticks on other hand were also added to our mango pickle, providing a wonderfully sour and juicy flavor. We will this way able to enjoy the fruits of Suanjhana all the year round.

Unfortunately, over the years, the trees grew so large that we had to remove them as the same cuts down the yield of our major crop Wheet and Paddy. For the past decade or two, we have not had any Suanjhana trees on our farm. However, I have recently been reminded of the many benefits of this remarkable tree and would like to bring it back to our lives. On Harvinder’s persistence I requested my partner Manjit to plant a few such trees.

The Tree Structure

The Suanjhana or Moringa oleifera tree is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that can reach 10–12 meters in height and 46 centimeters in trunk diameter. It features whitish-gray bark, feathery tripinnate leaves, and produces fragrant, hermaphroditic flowers with yellowish-white petals. These flowers bloom within six months of planting and can continue to flower year-round in consistent climates. The fruit is a three-sided, brown capsule containing dark brown seeds with papery wings, which are dispersed by wind and water.

Medicinal Advantages:

The fruit, often referred to as drumsticks, offers several advantages:

1. Nutritional Value: Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, minerals such as calcium and potassium, and essential amino acids, making it a highly nutritious food source.

2. Antioxidant Properties: Contains compounds like quercetin and chlorogenic acid that help protect cells from oxidative damage.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The fruit and seeds have been shown to reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for conditions like arthritis.

4. Blood Sugar Regulation: May help lower blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for managing diabetes.

5. Cholesterol Reduction: Can help lower cholesterol levels, thus supporting heart health.

6. Digestive Health: The high fiber content aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation.

7. Water Purification: Crushed seeds can be used to purify water, making it safer for drinking.

Given these numerous benefits, I would like to plant a few Suanjhana (Moringa oleifera) saplings on our farms in Badbar Punjab. 

I believe this will not only revive fond memories but also provide us with a valuable source of nutrition and health benefits. Hopefully, we can use its fruits as fresh vegetables, dried vegetables, or even in pickle form, much like we did in the past.

Manjit Singh with just planted sapling of Suanjhana and forwarded the above picture.

Today Manjit Singh planted two Suanjhana and three Tahlis/Sheesham trees. I look forward to seeing the Suanjhana and Tahli trees flourish on our farms once again.