There’s a tree that grows all over Timor-Leste called Marungi or Moringa (Moringa oleifera). It also grows across Asia, Africa and South America, although it is native to India. It’s called the miracle tree or the tree of life. Why? Because every part of this tree is packed with vitamins. The bark, seeds, flowers and leaves are super-rich in nutrients.
Moringa leaves contain 6 times more vitamin C than oranges and three times the amount of potassium found in bananas. It is rich in beta-carotene, iron and calcium.
The Carmelite Sisters are manufacturing a range of foods by mixing various vegetables with moringa––cooking, drying then grinding the mixture into powder. This extremely rich supplement can be sprinkled on other foods, making meals more nutritious.
The project is underway in the kitchen that ATLAS donors built at the Maubara orphanage, and the children are taught the process. They will be able to use the readily available moringa tree for the rest of their lives.