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You've probably seen this tree in Malaysian neighbourhoods your whole life
Tall and leafy, with long green pods hanging from its branches, moringa (Moringa oleifera) trees are also known as drumstick trees.
Known as murungakkai in Tamil and pokok kelor in Malay, the drumstick tree is a familiar sight in many Malaysian homes, especially among the Indian community.
And here's a fun twist, those drumstick-shaped pods are actually a fruit, even though we usually cook and eat them like a vegetable.
The drumstick tree is said to be a nutritional powerhouse, as reported by the New Straits Times
Here's how it stacks up against some everyday foods:
- 4x more calcium than milk
- 4x more Vitamin A than carrots
- 2x the protein of yoghurt
- 3x the potassium of bananas
- 7x more Vitamin C than oranges
On top of that, reports have highlighted moringa as a true superfood. It's packed with iron, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds that have been linked to supporting blood sugar control and protecting the liver.
It's no wonder moringa shows up in so many Malaysian kitchens
In many South Indian households, the pods from the drumstick tree are considered a must-have ingredient, often simmered in sambar or curry until soft and tender. The vegetable is so closely tied to the cuisine that it's considered a must-have ingredient in traditional meals.
Beyond Indian kitchens, the leaves find their way into Chinese cooking, often stir-fried with eggs to give a peppery kick. Across different communities, both pods and leaves are added to curries, soups, and broths, with some even blending them into health drinks.
When it comes to eating the pods, the tender inner flesh is what's enjoyed — usually scraped out using your teeth — while the fibrous skin is discarded.
From grandma's recipes to TikTok hacks, moringa is everywhere
On TikTok, home cooks are sharing everything from authentic Tamil-style curries to quick stir-fry hacks, showing just how versatile the drumstick tree can be. Whether it's the leafy greens or the long pods, there's plenty of inspiration to try at home.
Check out some cooking inspo videos below:
@jeanbeanstudio 🌟Superfood Moringa Dhal🌟 [Yield: 2-3 pax] 🔸Moringa leaves, 1 handful is usually enough unless you want to go extreme like me, discard the yellow leaves 🔸Australian dhal, half cup (you want to mix/use another dhal also can) 🔸Garlic, 5 – 6 cloves 🔸Salt, 1 tsp 🔸Turmeric powder, 1 tsp 🔸500ml of water to pressure cook 🔸Cooking oil, up to you 🔸Halba campur, 1 tbsp (this is Indian mix spices, you can get it at the herbs & spices section in supermarket) 🔸Dried chillies, 3 🔸Shallots, 1 or 2 bulbs 🔸Tomato, 1 🔸Curry leaves, 1 stalk 🔸Coconut milk portion is up to you, I use about a quarter cup
♬ original sound – Your Malaysian Girl Jean🌺 – Jean Bean Studio
@hiqma12 Try this curry 🤤🤤 #drumstickcurry #drumstick #murunga #foryou #trending #fpy #shorts ♬ original sound – Rikasha's kitchen
The beauty of moringa is that the whole tree is useful
Both the pods and the leaves are nutrient-rich. Some households even grind the leaves into a powder to sprinkle over rice or soups. You can also use the powder to make a drink. If you're not sure how to grind it yourself, pre-ground moringa powder is widely available online. Either way, you can experiment with this superfood your way.
Whether in traditional kitchens or trendy health food shelves, moringa proves that some of the best "superfoods" aren't imported, but have been growing in our backyards all along.
The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a healthcare professional regarding the reader's own medical care.
