The vegetable is easy to grow at home and has several edible parts
Suitable for planting in different types of soil, the ora-pro-nobis, also called orabrobo, lobrobo or lobrobo, can survive in both sun and half shade. But apart from its ease of propagation, its leaves have great nutritional value, as they offer a high protein and multivitamin content.
What is ora-pro-nobis and what is it used for?
Little known, it is one of the PANC (Non-Conventional Food Plants), plants with food potential that are not consumed on a large scale or are only used in a certain region. It is common to eat both the leaves and the stems, but the buds and flowers are also considered edible.
Benefits of ora-pro-nobis
Among its main benefits is its multivitamin potential, as ora-pro-nóbis leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, E, K, iron and the B complex. It also provides essential amino acids and mineral salts.
Another positive point about the vegetable is its function as a source of protein for the body. Experts have calculated that every 100g of the plant’s leaves contains 2g of protein. It also contributes directly to intestinal health by encouraging peristaltic movements thanks to the presence of plant fibers.
Due to the large amount of vitamin C and E, as already mentioned, it works as an antioxidant, helping the body to fight free radicals, which are responsible for chronic diseases and ageing (as they act to curb collagen production).
Studies have also pointed to the anti-inflammatory properties of ora-pro-nóbis, which help to contain inflammation in the body and relieve symptoms of chronic diseases.
In May of this year, Campinas City Hall included the plant in the menus of school meals in public schools. It is also grown in the vegetable gardens of 193 municipal schools.
How to plant ora-pro-nobis?
It is easy to grow and can be planted on the balconies of houses and apartments, as well as in gardens, large pots or flowerbeds. All you need is a stake to support it (especially from the second week onwards) and a space of 50 cm between one seedling and another. It can survive in any type of soil and doesn’t need to be watered every day.