Corchorus Olitorius, Egyptian Spinach is a very popular summer crop in our region. It is also known as Molokhia/Molokheiya, and many other names. It is believed that it originated in Egypt long before the time of Christ and was the staple food of Egypt from the time of the Pharaohs. The Egyptian name molokheiya refers to a vegetable for the king’ according to Wikipedia a sick Egyptian King, in the year 6000BC asked for hot soup while unwell . After taking the hot soup on a daily basis, the illness was treated. Cleopatra is also said to have enjoyed the same soup. Egyptian Spinach, along with its numerous close relatives can be found in Africa, India, and several other parts of Asia. It is located in all tropical and subtropical regions of the globe.
It is planted as an annual, بذور حشيشة السودان grows to around a meter in height, gets small yellow flowers, and produces edible seed pods as well as edible leaves that are easily harvested. It is very hardy and is able to grow rapidly. It is a cousin of okra that can be grown in many of the same conditions like okra. It does not like shade.
large Egyptian spinach plant that is growing up lattice in green house
Are you looking to plant some? It will grow in all soil types and isn’t particular about pH. However, it naturally prefers a fertile moist soil. Pots can also be used. Make sure you prepare your soil in the usual manner, بذور حشيشة السودان then plant the seeds directly where they will grow the most optimal time for planting is between spring and autumn. Egyptian spinach seeds sprout better if bathed in hot water prior planting for at minimum a couple of minutes. Isabel Shipard recommends soaking for at least 12 hours. Pick leaves as soon as the plant has reached 40cm high. The seeds that mature on the plant and fall to ground will be dormant in the soil until the weather is appropriate and they will grow into next year’s crop. Egyptian spinach is almost pest and disease-free. The grasshoppers and caterpillars have a symbiosis with the leaves and during the hot summer they could be affected by red spider mites but overall , it’s not that problematic. Seeds are available at present from BOGI seeds.
The leaves are high in vitamin and mineral content. The younger leaves can be utilized for sandwiches or salads, while older leaves may be dried or cooked. Use leaves as you would spinach. In Egypt the leaves are used in a soup made of garlic, coriander and meat. In other parts of the world it is made into a stew with rice, cassava, and even chicken meat. This vegetable is used in many different ways. Leaves can be dried then powdered and used as tea. The tea can then be preserved for use in stews and soups, for additional flavor as well as to thicken dishes . In Japan it is sold in health food stores as a healthy tea. Young seed pods are used in the same way as Okra.
The health benefits of Egyptian spinach have been marketed from the time of the Pharaohs. It is a tea which can improve your immunity. Tea made from the leaves is said to aid during childbirth and boost milk production for mothers. It can also be used a wash for sore eyes, rashes, cuts and scratches.
Many species of the Corchorus genus are used to produce Jute due to their thick, sturdy fibres in their stalks. Through the ages, the jute fibers were used to make a coarse woven yarn which was then made into rope and fabric for sacking. It was best to use the most tall and unbranched stems. The stems were immersed in vegetable matter for several days, allowing the fibres to turn brown. After that, the fibres were easily removed, then cleaned and dried. In some areas the fibre could be used for paper. Corchorus Olitorius, also referred to as Egyptian spinach, is best used to make jute. However, some of its relatives can be used for other purposes.
