Drumstick / Moringa

About Drumstick / Moringa

Moringa oleifera, commonly called drumstick in English and “murunga” in Sinhala, is one of the most nutritionally dense plants on earth. The long, slender seed pods grow abundantly in the dry zone around the Anuradhapura District, where the ancient irrigation systems and warm climate create ideal growing conditions. The drumstick pods have a green, ridged exterior and contain soft, edible seeds surrounded by tender flesh. Both the pods and the leaves of the moringa tree are consumed, with the leaves often dried and powdered as a nutritional supplement. Fresh drumsticks have a mild, slightly earthy flavour with a hint of asparagus-like sweetness.

Culinary Uses

In Sri Lankan cooking, drumsticks are an indispensable ingredient in “murunga curry,” a beloved coconut milk curry spiced with turmeric, fenugreek, and pandan leaves. The pods are cut into finger-length pieces and simmered until the flesh becomes soft enough to scrape from the fibrous outer shell with your teeth. Drumsticks are also added to “parippu” (lentil dal) for extra body and nutrition, and the leaves are stir-fried with grated coconut, onion, and chili as a quick and healthy side dish called “murunga kola mallung.” The flowers are sometimes battered and fried as fritters.

For Japanese cooking, moringa drumsticks can be cut into short pieces and simmered in dashi broth with soy sauce and mirin for a nutritious nimono dish. The tender flesh inside pairs well with Japanese curry rice, adding a unique vegetal sweetness. Moringa leaf powder can be whisked into smoothies, folded into udon or soba noodle dough for a vibrant green colour, or dusted over rice bowls as a nutrient-rich topping. The mild flavour of drumsticks also makes them suitable for inclusion in oden or nabe (hot pot) during cooler months.

Nutritional Benefits

Moringa is often called a “miracle tree” for good reason. The pods and leaves contain all nine essential amino acids, making it a rare complete plant protein. Drumsticks are exceptionally high in vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and iron. Moringa leaves contain seven times the vitamin C of oranges, four times the calcium of milk, and three times the potassium of bananas. The plant is also rich in antioxidants including quercetin and chlorogenic acid, which help lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation.