What is the National Vegetable of the Philippines?

Malunggay was named as national vegetable of the Philippines by the House of Representatives last 2017. Under House Bill 2071 also designated November as the “National Malunggay Month.”

“Malunggay is one of the important plants that deserve national and international promotion due to the many biomedical endowment and numerous socioeconomic benefits that can be derived from it,” she added.

The “miracle vegetable,” as some scientists called it, has been promoted by no less than the World Health Organization (WHO) as a low-cost health enhancer in poor countries around the globe.

More Info: businessmirror.com.ph

Test your knowledge

What are your thoughts on this subject?

26 Comments

Pat Salloum

The plant can be grown inexpensively. The leaves have 7 times more vitamin C than oranges; has 15 times more potassium than bananas and has calcium, protein, iron, and amino acids. Most often the leaves are boiled (and used in a tea-like drink), but may also be put in a smoothie, or added to a stir fry.

Shulamith Lotter

Exactly what is it and what does it look like? No real description of the vev in the answer.

Dog001

Malunggay can be used raw in salads and cooked as "Ginataang Malunggay" looks like creamed spinach or greens. Onion, Garlic, Coconut Milk and salt, boil for 5 minutes. Then add the Malunggay leaves and cook a further 5 minutes. Just like a creamed spinach side dish. Yes, I had to look for a recipe out of curiousity as to how you would turn tree leaves into a vegetable side dish. Malunggay is also called Moringa and it's used throughout Asia, Africa, The Caribbean, Latin America, Fiji and Guam. They also make teas and herbal medicine with it.

Michael David M

Malunggay is a tree. The leaves of which are eaten. We have one in our yard that my wife planted.

Lorenzo Lucia

It is also called moringa, I believe.

Richard D. Boyle

Good luck narrowing that list down.

JRW

Those complainers below should have clicked on the link! Where all was revealed.

Player

Were it not for the comments of other players, I would not have known how it is prepared by people who will eat it. They provided the answer to this question. Thanks.

zwm

A color picture would be useful.

Colin McPherson

Your notes on this plant says a lot about how important it is to health, but says nothing about what type of plant it is! Legume, Dicotyledon or mono-cotyledon?