Powdered Murunga leaves add to the spice range

Ridma Dissanayake

The Post Harvest Technology Institute (PHTI) is to introduce a new spicy powder to the market in the form of ground Murunga leaves.

A special method will be adopted to obtain the power without harming the nutrients in the Murunga leaves . Murunga ( drumstick) is a common garden variety grown along fences and do not require chemicals or pesticides for its growth

Murunga leaves contain 25 percent protein and is devoid of harmful properties. “A glass of drumstick leaves consist seven times the Calciumt contained in a glass of milk, “the PHTI said.

“The powder is made by drying the murunga leaves under a temperature of 55 centigrades. The murunga leaves powder can be used as a drink like Green Tea and this can be mixed into the curries as well. It can also be used in the samaposha and biscuits production. It also has medicinal value that is effective against diabetes and high blood pressure. It has the ability to work as an anti oxidant as well.