Overcharging For Moringa (The Poor Man's Vegetable) And Cannabis

     Moringa is an easy to grow tree in a favorable climate. Moringa is now grown throughout Southeast Asia, India, Kenya, Florida, Haiti, and many other places. In the Philippines, many people refer to it as the poor man's vegetable. Moringa grows fast. Once established, it tolerates drought along with heavy rains. It does not like cold weather, but that is not a problem, as there are many places in the world where the weather is just right for the tree. The leaves of the tree are edible, as are other parts of the tree. Unlike many vegetables, the moringa leaves are often available year around. When leaves and branches are removed from the tree, new ones grow back rapidly. In times of drought, it may drop most or all of its leaves, but once given water, the moringa rapid growth continues. Moringa grows easily in many places without the use of pesticides, fertilizers, or much care of any sort.

      Why do the leaves of this inexpensive to grow tree cost a small fortune? One large store that is part of a national food chain sells moringa powdered leaves for around 23 dollars for less than half of a pound. Other places sell moringa powdered leaves from 40 dollars and up for a pound.

       Moringa is billed as a miracle food. It is indeed healthy. It sustains many poor people that have access to no vegetable or green food source. Moringa leaves are high in antioxidants and nutrients. So why the high prices charged in the states for a food that is easy to grow, requires little care, and where expensive pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers are not needed? Perhaps for no other reason than that they can get away with it. 

        Some people say moringa is an answer to deforestation and the food needs of impoverished nations. In the states, people in warm climates can easily grow this tree and help kill the overpriced commercial market for moringa products. Marijuana and cannabis, as legalization increases, can also be commonly grown, and hopefully will kill the overpriced market for those products.