Articles
Potential use of Moringa oleifera as a functional underutilized beverage crop
Article number
1466_11
Pages
89 – 92
Language
English
Abstract
Moringa oleifera is increasingly recognized as a multipurpose crop with growing significance in Africa.
Although native to South Asia, it has become widely naturalized across sub-Saharan Africa, where it is embedded in indigenous food and medicinal traditions.
Its leaves are consumed as herbal infusions and nutritional supplements, offering essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, and antioxidants.
These attributes position Moringa oleifera as a promising underutilized beverage crop for addressing food security, nutrition, and health challenges.
This review synthesizes peer-reviewed literature, case studies and indigenous knowledge on Moringa oleifera with a focus on beverage applications in African contexts.
The review examines sustainable agronomic practices for arid and semi-arid environments, including the use of organic soil amendments and eco-friendly approaches to pest and disease control.
It further explores postharvest innovations, such as drying techniques for preserving bioactive compounds, together with value addition through tea powders, fortified drinks, and functional blends for African and global markets.
Key challenges, including limited consumer awareness, lack of standardized processing protocols, and regulatory constraints, are also discussed.
By integrating indigenous knowledge systems with modern science, this review highlights the underexplored potential of Moringa oleifera as a sustainable, underutilized beverage crop that can support nutrition, health, and rural economic empowerment in Africa.
Although native to South Asia, it has become widely naturalized across sub-Saharan Africa, where it is embedded in indigenous food and medicinal traditions.
Its leaves are consumed as herbal infusions and nutritional supplements, offering essential vitamins, minerals, proteins, and antioxidants.
These attributes position Moringa oleifera as a promising underutilized beverage crop for addressing food security, nutrition, and health challenges.
This review synthesizes peer-reviewed literature, case studies and indigenous knowledge on Moringa oleifera with a focus on beverage applications in African contexts.
The review examines sustainable agronomic practices for arid and semi-arid environments, including the use of organic soil amendments and eco-friendly approaches to pest and disease control.
It further explores postharvest innovations, such as drying techniques for preserving bioactive compounds, together with value addition through tea powders, fortified drinks, and functional blends for African and global markets.
Key challenges, including limited consumer awareness, lack of standardized processing protocols, and regulatory constraints, are also discussed.
By integrating indigenous knowledge systems with modern science, this review highlights the underexplored potential of Moringa oleifera as a sustainable, underutilized beverage crop that can support nutrition, health, and rural economic empowerment in Africa.
Publication
Authors
J. Malaka, N. Araya
Keywords
functional beverages, underutilized crop, sustainability, climate resilience, organic production, indigenous knowledge systems, value chain development
Online Articles (74)