Moringa Is Still the It Plant of 2018, but WTF Do You Do With It?

Photo: Stocksy/Jacob Lund
It's totally okay to admit to ordering moringa powder after reading some article about its myriad benefits... and then letting it sit on your counter, next to various forgotten adaptogens and fermented protein powders, likewise untouched.

Of course, you intended to put "the world's most useful tree" to work. (It is more anti-inflammatory than turmeric and has more protein than kale.) But once the moringa arrived IRL and you tried stirring it into your water a time or two, you realized you didn't really know WTF you were supposed to do with it. Or is that just me?

Regardless of whether you, too, are looking for more ways to incorporate this power plant into your diet—or are still in the "moringa-curious" phase—it's probably helpful to know the basics before you start experimenting. First of all, powder forms of the plant, like the one that might be sitting next to your coffee maker right now, are generally made from its leaves. Such products are considered safe for consumption in any reasonably ingestible amount, but experts say you probably want to aim for around two to ten grams per day—unless you're pregnant or trying to be, in which case, you should consult your doctor before trying it. (P.S. Moringa root consumption is not advisable and further research is needed on its seeds and seed oil, so exercise caution with both.)

With that "the more you know" out of the way, here are a few ideas on how to use moringa—including a recipe for moringaroons, because yes.

how to use moringa
Photo: Stocksy/Cameron Whitman

7 ways to incorporate moringa into your daily diet

Stir it into your water
Hot or cold H2O works, though it might go down easiest in warm water mixed with a little lemon and honey.

Steep it as a tea
If you're looking for more dimensional flavor, you can find various brands selling moringa-based or moringa-infused teas, such as Traditional Medicinals' Organic Moringa with Spearmint and Sage.

Mix it into smoothies
Sure, you may already be adding adaptogens, protein powder, and who knows what else to your smoothie, but moringa—whether it be in powder or whole-leaf form—is worth the added assembly-line step, given the nutritional punch it packs. It blends extra well with green smoothies, like this tropical one made with pineapple, mint, and lime.

Sprinkle it into soups
You can sprinkle moringa powder or add moringa leaves into any liquid recipe—especially soups like bloat-busting asparagus, hormone-balancing miso, or immunity-boosting squash and chickpea.

Bake it into... anything
Moringa powder can also be tossed into just about any baked good, but since it will turn the item green, some recipes may fare aesthetically better than others. Chocolate brownies or muffins, zucchini bread (it's already green!), and anything involving mint are all good choices to start, as is Breakfast Criminals' recipe for cacao matcha moringaroons.

Green up your guacamole 
You know what else moringa's a match for? Avocados! Mix moringa into your favorite guacamole recipe (one of these, perhaps?) for an added antioxidant boost.

Shake it into salad dressing
Moringa can be easily stirred into store-bought or homemade salad dressing, which is proof positive it's easy being green. (Sorry, Kermit).

Wait, you're not sure how to use the OG superfood—turmeric—either? Here are 3 vegan recipes that put it at center stage. Or try these turmeric tonics for a liquid fix.    

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