Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is growing in popularity as a summer vegetable in the United States and around the world. Molokhia/Molokheiya is a common name as well as many other names. It is believed that it has been discovered in Egypt before Christ, and has been an important staple food since the time of the Pharaohs. It is believed that the Egyptian name molokheiya means ‘vegetable for the king’ according to Wikipedia a sick Egyptian king, around 6000 BC, asked for hot soup because he was sick and after drinking the hot soup on a daily basis, his illness was cured. Cleopatra is also said to have enjoyed the same soup. Egyptian Spinach together with its close relatives can be found in Africa, India, and several other parts of Asia. It is found in all tropical and subtropical regions around the globe.
It is cultivated as an annual. It grows to approximately one meter in height. It it bears tiny yellow flowers and produces edible seeds that are shaped like pods. The edible leaves can also be harvested in a continuous manner. It is extremely durable and fast growing. It is a very close relative to Okra, many of the same conditions for growth are present. It loves the heat, can handle dry and humid conditions (not wet) but is not a fan of shade.
Large Egyptian spinach plant that is growing in green house lattice
Are you considering growing one? It is able to grow in any soil type and doesn’t care about pH. It prefers fertile soil that is humid. It can even grow in pots. Prepare your soil the usual manner, then plant the seeds directly where they will grow the most optimal time for planting is between the months of spring and autumn. Egyptian spinach seeds will develop better if they are bathed in hot water prior planting for at least a few minutes. Isabel Shipard recommends soaking for at least 12 hours. Start picking leaves when the plant is 40 centimeters high. Seeds that mature on the plant and fall to soil will remain dormant in the soil until the conditions are appropriate and they will grow into next year’s crop. Egyptian spinach is virtually non-infectious and free of pests. The leaves are able to be used in conjunction with grasshoppers and caterpillars, however they are unlikely to be affected with the red spider mites. Seeds are available at present from BOGI seeds.
The leaves are very high in protein, minerals and vitamins. The younger leaves can be eaten raw in salads, in sandwiches, and older leaves can be cooked or dried. Take leaves like spinach. In Egypt the leaves are cooked in traditional soups made with coriander, garlic and meat, in other places it is cooked into a stew made with rice, cassava, and chicken meat. There are numerous recipes for this plant. The leaves can be dried, and then ground into tea. After the tea is prepared, it can be stored in a container so that you can make the next stews or soups. It is sold in Japan through health food stores as a healthy and nutritious tea. Young seed pods can be used the same way as okra.
Since the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been praised as having health benefits. It is a tea that can boost your immune system and is also said to be beneficial in treating anaemia, cancer, constipation and cystitis, diabetes fatigue as well as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, menopausal symptoms weight gain, respiratory ailments and water retention. Tea made from leaves can help during pregnancy and help increase mother’s milk production. It can also be used a wash for sore eyes, rashes, cuts and scratches.
Many members of the genus Corchorus are used to produce Jute due to their large, strong fibres that are found in their stalks. Jute was used throughout the centuries to make coarse yarn. This was then used as rope, and also as material for sacking. The tallest, بذرة البرسيم (gitlab.openmole.org) most unbranched, stems were the best choice to use for بذرة البرسيم this. Stems were then soaked for some time so that the vegetable matter would turn brown and the fibers could be easily removed. They were then washed, dried, and sorted for use. The fibre can also be used to make paper in certain areas. Corchorus Olitorius, also known as Egyptian spinach, is the best utilized to create jute. However it is also possible that some of its cousins can be used for other uses.
