The Drumstick tree is a great survival plant.
This tree was planted in the heat of summer and is flourishing.
The Drumstick leaves contain 38% protein and essential amino acids.
In some parts of Africa, Drumstick trees are grown in close rows, cut regularly when 1 meter high, and the leaves dried and crushed. Two tablespoons of this crushed powder helps prevent malnutrition.
The tree is thought to have the highest protein ratio of any plant on earth as well as high calcium content.
Leaves can be eaten fresh in hand, steamed, pickled, added to salads, stir-fries, curries, and soups as well as dried, and stored and used in cooking dishes.
The pods are similar to peas with a mild mustard taste.
Young green pods can sliced and used in savory and meat dishes, and seeds can be fried or roasted and taste like peanuts.
Seeds can also be sprouted for further nutritious greens.
Young seedling roots taste like horseradish, and can be used as a substitute.
Oil from the seeds can be used in salads and the flowers are also edible.
And if all these uses are not enough the powder of crushed seeds when added to dirty water will take about an hour to clear the water and remove over 90% of bacteria and viruses.
My neighbor and I have agreed to remove a boundary tree and I already have young Drumstick trees to add in its place.
They are sitting out of the wind waiting for their new place in my garden.
