NUTRITIONAL COMPARATIVE OF Moringa Oleifera CROP IN SPAIN

Abstract

Moringa oleifera is possibly one of the most nutritional plant species that exists. Moringa is a fast growing tree native to northern India which is known as the "tree of life". Leaves can be consumed fresh or dried and ground into powder to be added to any food. Moringa leaves have a high concentration of protein with all the essential amino acids, vitamins of groups A, B, C and E, and high amounts of nutrients and micronutrients such as calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium and zinc. These characteristics make moringa leaves a complete food that can be used as a food supplement in vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free or lactose-free diets. Moringa needs tropical-subtropical climate for its proper development, being cultivated in Spain on the tropical Mediterranean coast and in the Canary Islands. In the present study, we focus on the nutritional comparison of moringa leaves grown in different Spanish geography points, in order to elucidate the best place to obtain the best nutritional quality moringa plants. Our results have led us to conclude that is in Canary Islands where the crop is best developed due to the edaphological and climatic conditions, as well as the yield and accumulation of nutrients in the leaves