Exploring the use of Moringa oleifera as a vegetable in Agua Caliente Nueva, Jalisco, Mexico: A qualitative study
2021
Belinda C. Chiu | Mark E. Olson | Jed W. Fahey
Abstract People in Mexico speak of the medicinal properties of Moringa oleifera (“moringa”), but they know less about its nutritive properties. A qualitative, participatory approach was utilized to explore the use of moringa as a vegetable in Agua Caliente Nueva, Jalisco, by enrolling 14 female participants (mothers over 18) who were nutritional gatekeepers of the family and were responsible for preparing family meals using moringa leaves. Participants prepared meals with moringa and participated in semi‐structured interviews to record their perceptions of foods, shopping habits, and knowledge and experience using moringa. The study objectives were to assess the regional acceptability and feasibility of introducing a readily available and nutritious plant into diets, and to examine whether moringa could potentially serve as part of a solution to the double burden of malnutrition in Mexico. Findings suggest that given its ability to thrive in this dry tropical region, moringa has the potential to be recognized as a viable component in the traditional diet in this small “ejido” communal farming community.
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