Discovering the Magic of Moringa: From Farm to Cup with Tea Chest Hawaii

Our team got to explore the marvels of Moringa at a recent farm tour of Mountain View Farm in Waianae Valley on Oahu. The visit deepened our understanding of Korean Natural Farming (KNF), another sustainable farming method, and we experienced firsthand how our corporate values of quality, community, and malama aina are reflected in the partnerships we have with suppliers and customers.

Farm to cup isn't just trendy words for us—it’s an on-going commitment to quality for every ingredient and tea we offer scrutinized by traceability and sustainability. Working with David Wong, and directly with other family owned farms around the world, ensures quality and an understanding of what is, and isn’t, in your cup. We were joined by Robynne Mai’i, James Beard award-winning chef/owner and patisserie chef Katherine Yang of Fête Restaurant in Honolulu. Having the farmer, purveyor and the chefs together made for a unique opportunity and a very special day for learning and engagement.

The History and Benefits of Moringa

We discovered Hawaii-grown moringa in our pursuit of truly beneficial ingredients. Moringa oleifera, sometimes called the "miracle tree" or the "Tree of Life," is native to India and has been used across cultures and centuries for its medicinal properties and health benefits. This leafy tree has treated conditions ranging from diabetes to arthritis, and moringa powder has become a popular ingredient in smoothies and teas. As one of the world’s most nutritious greens, moringa is gaining popularity as a superfood rich in antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals (Patil et al., 2022).

Studies have shown that moringa contains “10 times more vitamins than carrots, 7 times more vitamin C than oranges, 17 times more calcium than milk, and 15 times more potassium than bananas” (Int J Food Sci, 2021). It provides essential nutrients such as calcium, protein, iron, and amino acids, which help the body heal and build muscle. High in antioxidants and beta carotene, moringa protects against free radicals and acts as an adaptogen, aiding the body in recovering from stress. Scientists have found potential benefits like improving heart health, lowering cholesterol, reducing arterial plaque, regulating blood glucose levels, stimulating brain function, and fighting inflammation (Arnarson, 2023). While generally safe, it’s important to consult a doctor before combining moringa with medications for diabetes or high blood pressure, as it may affect blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

Moringa stands out among our offerings because of its remarkable nutritional profile. The leaves are packed with vitamins A, C, and E, which support skin health and the immune system, along with minerals such as calcium and potassium, crucial for bone health and muscle function. The National Institutes of Health highlights moringa’s anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting its potential in combating chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and obesity. Dr. Carrie Waterman, a chemist at the University of California, Davis, received a grant to explore moringa’s potential and collaborate with farmers to improve cultivation methods. Her research shows that optimizing moringa’s growth and processing can boost its nutritional value and economic benefits (Payne, 2020).

Our Moringa Farmer is Special

We source our moringa from Mountain View Farm, a family-owned farm nestled in Waianae Valley on the island of Oahu. Mountain View Farm practices natural farming, boosting the indigenous microorganism (IMO) count in the soil. This “living soil” eliminates dependence on chemical inputs like pesticides and fertilizers, increasing the nutritional value of plants and livestock. This chemical-free environment is healthier and more sustainable for the farmers, the community, and the livestock.

Natural farming is not easy; it requires belief, commitment, and time to stay the course when today’s ag culture encourages the use of fertilizers and pesticides for the sake of cost and convenience.  Through KNF, David Wong ensures that 100% of their products, including their hormone-free pork and pesticide-free vegetables, are produced in “a natural ecosystem and a nutritious growing environment.” No pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers touch these ingredients, maintaining a fertile environment that cultivates moringa’s potent health benefits. 

The Essence of KNF: Enhancing Natural Sustainability

David Wong's approach to growing moringa reflects the principles of Korean Natural Farming, focusing on sustainable methods to enrich soil and promote plant health. Here’s how Wong does it:

• Soil Enrichment: Wong uses KNF techniques like composting, indigenous microorganisms (IMO), and fermented plant extracts to cultivate nutrient-rich soils, ensuring that the moringa trees grow healthy and produce nutrient-packed leaves.

• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Balance: Wong's farm is designed to support biodiversity, which helps with natural pest control and nutrient cycling, eliminating the need for chemicals and supporting a healthy ecosystem.

• Minimal Environmental Impact: Wong avoids synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, preserving the purity and nutritional value of the moringa leaves while protecting Hawaii’s natural environment.

Empowerment Through Education

Our visit to Mountain View Farm was truly enlightening. We held deep discussions on soil health, organic farming techniques, and the impact of sustainable practices on crop quality and overall well-being. This experience strengthened our team’s connection to the moringa products we offer, filling them with even greater pride in understanding the journey from the farm to your cup.

Collaborating with Culinary Experts

Collaborating with professionals like chefs Robynne and Katherine of Fête Restaurant,  who share our passion for quality and sustainability, was an incredible addition to the farm tour. These culinary talents can create delicious dishes that showcase the ingredients and the nutritional benefits.Together, we're united in our commitment to produce nutritious food choices that are good for the consumer and good for the community.  Along the way, we aim to highlight locally sourced ingredients, support farmers like David Wong who malama aina through truly sustainable agriculture, and educate people on the importance of nutritious food choices.

Teas with Moringa

At Tea Chest Hawaii, we are proud to feature David’s moringa in our product lineup, knowing it offers a wealth of health benefits and contributes to a better Hawaii. By working directly with farmers and supporting innovative research, we ensure that our moringa products are of the highest quality and packed with nutrition, bringing the best of this miracle tree to the cup.We selected moringa for its natural medicinal properties and incorporated it as a foundational ingredient in our wellness teas. In Mana | Tea for Immunity, moringa's antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties bolster the immune system's resilience. It synergizes with turmeric, black pepper, and other components in Olena | Tea for Inflammation to alleviate soreness and swelling, available in both tea bags and loose tea formats. The moringa in Nanea | Tea for Anxiety & Stress is an adaptogen to balance cortisol levels, complementing ashwagandha, another adaptogen in the blend. Finally, in Mahina | Tea for Sleep, moringa helps to reduce inflammation, regulate hormones, and promote relaxation which can enhance sleep quality.

Join the Journey

Explore our selection of moringa-infused teas sourced directly from David Wong's farm, where sustainability and exceptional quality come together in every cup. By choosing Tea Chest Hawaii, you’re not just enjoying tea—you’re supporting local farmers, embracing sustainable agriculture, and contributing to a healthier planet. Moringa Tea Blends: Mana | Tea for Immunity, Olena | Tea for Inflammation, Nanea | Tea for Stress & Anxiety, Mahina | Tea for Sleep and Maikai Gift Box

References 

Arnason, A. (2023). 6 Science-Based Health Benefits of Moringa oleifera. Healthline.  Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-benefits-of-moringa-oleifera.

Islam, Z., et al. (2021). Moringa oleifera is a Prominent Source of Nutrients with Potential Health Benefits. Int J Food Sci. doi: 10.1155/2021/6627265. PMC PubMed Central. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8373516/

Patil, S. et al. (2022). Retrieved from Moringa Tree, Gift of Nature: a Review on Nutritional and Industrial Potential. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9108141/

Payne, J. (2020). Scientist studies the moringa plant’s medicinal, nutritional benefits. NIH Fogarty. Volume 19, Number 1. Retrieved from  https://www.fic.nih.gov/News/GlobalHealthMatters/january-february-2020/Pages/carrie-waterman-studies-moringa-plants-medicinal-nutritional-benefits.aspx