Morogo
| Course | African spinach |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | South Africa |
 Cookbook: English = Pigweed Afrikaans Hanekam Scientifically = Amaranthus sp.  Media: English = Pigweed Afrikaans Hanekam Scientifically = Amaranthus sp. | |
Morogo, also known as wild or African spinach, refers to a group of at least three different dark green leafy vegetables found throughout Southern Africa and harvested for human consumption. It is considered a traditional South African dish[1] and forms an important part of the staple diet in rural communities.[2]
Health benefits and safety
Morogo leaves have a protein content of up to 36%. The ultimate vitamin content is dependent on the age of the plant and method of preparation; the plants contain vitamin A and vitamin C and complement the low levels of calcium, magnesium and iron in maize.[3] In South Africa it is known as: in English = Pigweed, in Afrikaans Hanekam and Scientifically = Amaranthus sp.
An examination of three widely consumed variants have found that its consumption may lower the risk of vascular-related chronic diseases and type 2 diabetes.[4]
However, in some circumstances Morogo may increase the risk of fungal infection, specifically fusariosis, especially among imuno-compromised individuals such as those suffering from Aids. A study found high levels of Alternaria fungi in internal leaf structures and Fusarium fungi on leaf surfaces.[5] A separate study asserts that Morogo is not a natural host to Fusarium, but may be cross-infected by close proximity to maize crops.[6]
Notes
- ↑ Independent Online
- ↑ Science in Africa
- ↑ Conservation and utilization of indigenous vegetables in Botswana
- ↑ Public Health Nutrition
- ↑ The occurrence of toxogenic moulds in traditional household Morogo of Giyana
- ↑ The level of mycotic and mycotoxigenic Fusaria in traditional morogo and the agro-environment of Dikgale Demographic Surveillance Site
References
- "Astronomic gastronomic menu for big bash". Independent Online. Retrieved 6 August 2008.
- "How healthy is traditional morogo in Africa". Science in Africa. Retrieved 6 August 2008.
- "Linolenic acid and folate in wild-growing African dark leafy vegetables (morogo)". Public Health Nutrition, Cambridge University Press. Retrieved 6 August 2008.
- "The occurrence of toxogenic moulds in traditional household Morogo of Giyana" (PDF). North-West University Library. Retrieved 6 August 2008.
- "The level of mycotic and mycotoxigenic Fusaria in traditional morogo and the agro-environment of Dikgale Demographic Surveillance Site" (PDF). North-West University Library. Retrieved 6 August 2008.
- "Conservation and utilization of indigenous vegetables in Botswana". Bioversity International. Archived from the original on 3 May 2008. Retrieved 6 August 2008.