Moringa Flowers (Sahjan ke Phool): A Seasonal Delight

 

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:

1. Wash the Moringa flowers thoroughly to remove all traces of dust and dirt.
2. Finely chop the flowers and onions.
3. Heat oil in a pan.
4. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
5. 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:

1. Best Moringa Flower Indian Recipe
2. Moringa Flowers with Coconut Milk
3. Hebbars Kitchen Moringa Flowers Recipe
4. 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
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