Moringa

Hebrew: מוֹרִינְגָה מְכוּנֶפֶת, moringa mechunefet
Family: Moringaceae
Scientific name: Moringa olifera

The moringa is a tropical tree that grows very rapidly, requiring very little water and can survive even during drought. All parts of the tree are edible and serves as a source of food in various regions throughout the world. The plant contains the enzyme myrosinase, which imparts a bitter taste to the fruit and leaves.

In its indigenous countries, moringa trees serve primarily as fruit trees; use is made primarily of its long pods, which resemble string beans, and its leaves are used as an herb. In Israel, it is grown mainly for medical purposes, dietary supplements, and cosmetics. All parts of the tree are used – fruit, leaves, bark, roots, and even the resin in the trunk.

The tree originates in Southeast Asia and reached our region a few decades ago as an ornamental tree.

Land-dependent mitzvot: Since in Israel the tree is used only for medical purposes and not for human consumption, the laws related to the land-dependent mitzvot do not apply. The tree and its parts do not have kedushat shevi’it and the obligation of separating terumot and ma’aserot does not apply.

Orlah (waiting three years for fruit): One of the conditions for obligating a tree in the laws of orlah is that it is a fruit-bearing tree, as it states, “וּנְטַעְתֶּם כָּל עֵץ מַאֲכָל” “and you plant any fruit tree” (Levit. 19:23). Therefore, trees planted to serve as a fence, for instance, are exempt from the laws of orlah. In light of this, the posekim rule that trees planted for medical purposes only are not obligated in the laws of orlah even if its medical use is through consumption of the plant.