Moringa Flowers
(Sahjan ke Phool): A Seasonal Delight
As winter fades
and autumn takes center stage, the arrival of summer looms just behind. A sure
sign of this transition is the blooming of Moringa flowers in abundance across
the region. Today, as I sat on my balcony, basking in the gentle warmth of the
morning sun with a cup of tea in hand, my attention was drawn to the dazzling
sight of Moringa flowers glowing in the golden light. Intrigued, I quickly
grabbed my camera equipped with a 400mm zoom lens and captured the newly
bloomed flowers from various angles and exposures. The result? A series of
stunning images that truly celebrate the beauty of nature.
The Magic of Moringa Flowers
Known as Sahjan
ke Phool in Hindi, Moringa flowers—also referred to as drumstick
flowers—are not only a visual treat but also a culinary delight. These flowers
are widely used in traditional Indian cuisine, particularly in fritters (Pakoras)
and curries. A popular dish, Moringa flower and potato curry, is a
mouthwatering combination that many relish. The Moringa tree, often
hailed as a miracle tree, is entirely edible—its flowers, leaves,
fruits, and even roots have been consumed for generations due to their
medicinal and nutritional properties.
One of the most
common ways to enjoy Moringa flowers is in Thoran, a South Indian side
dish. The flowers are stir-fried with chili, pepper, spices, and onions, mixed
with chickpea flour (Besan), and deep-fried to create a delicious snack.
Another popular preparation involves drying the flowers and steeping them in
hot water to make Moringa flower tea, known for its rich nutritional
benefits.
How to Prepare Moringa Flowers:
- Wash the Moringa flowers
thoroughly to remove all traces of dust and dirt. - Finely chop the flowers and
onions. - Heat oil in a pan.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté
until translucent. - Add the chopped Moringa flowers
and sauté over a medium flame for a minute or until they wilt.
Culinary and Medicinal Value
The edible
parts of the drumstick tree include its leaves, stems, immature green fruit or
seed pods, aromatic flowers, young seeds, and roots. These components are rich
in nutrients and can be incorporated into a variety of delicious dishes.
However, excessive consumption of drumstick flowers can sometimes lead to
negative nutrient absorption, kidney stones, and potential harm to the liver
and kidneys. It may also impact fertility in some cases, so moderation is key.
A Nostalgic Connection
Since
childhood, I have relished the drumstick curry my mother used to prepare
every autumn, using freshly harvested, tender drumstick pods. The memory of
that delectable dish lingers on, and to this day, I cherish its taste. Long
drumstick pods are a staple in many South Asian recipes, prepared with mustard
seeds, tomatoes, garlic, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder. Whether paired with
boiled rice or roti, the taste is simply divine.
Delicious Moringa Flower Recipes to Try:
- Best Moringa Flower Indian Recipe
- Moringa Flowers with Coconut Milk
- Hebbars Kitchen Moringa Flowers
Recipe - Moringa Flower Sabzi
So, dear
friends, as the season of Moringa blossoms begins, it’s the perfect time
to experiment with these flowers in your kitchen. Try out different recipes and
indulge in their magnificent taste!
In Picture: Blooming drumstick flowers.
Text &
Photo by: Ashok Karan
🔗 ashokkaran.blogspot.com
📢 Like, Share & Enjoy!
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#SahjanKePhool #HealthyEating #IndianRecipes #DrumstickFlowers #FoodPhotography
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