Corchorus Olitorius, Egyptian Spinach is a well-loved summer vegetable in our region. It’s been known as Molokhia/Molokheiya (and numerous other ways of spelling it) such as salad mallow Jute mallow, Jew’s Mallow and West African sorrel to name just few. It is believed to have been discovered in Egypt prior to Christ and was an important staple food since the period of the Pharaohs. It is believed that the Egyptian name molokheiya is a reference to’vegetables for the king’ according to Wikipedia, a sick Egyptian King around 6000 BC, requested hot soup after being unwell . After taking the hot soup every day his illness was cured. Cleopatra is also believed to have eaten the same soup. Egyptian Spinach and its numerous close connections grow across Africa, the Middle East, India and several regions of Asia. It can be located in all subtropical and tropical regions around the world.

It is planted as an annual. It will grow up to a maximum of a metre It produces tiny yellow flowers, and produces edible seed pods as well as edible leaves that are easily harvested. It is extremely tough and بذور جرجير is able to grow rapidly. It is a cousin of okra that can be grown in many of the same conditions like Okra. However, it doesn’t need shade.

Large Egyptian spinach plant growing in the green lattice of the house

Do you have a desire to grow some? It is able to grow in any soil type and بذور جرجير does not care about pH, however of course prefers a fertile moist soil. It can even grow in pots. It is easy to prepare the soil as normal. After that, plant the seeds right into the soil where they will thrive. The months of spring and autumn are the ideal times to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds sprout faster if they are placed in warm, soapy water prior to plant. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for up to 12 hours. Pick leaves as soon as the plant is around 40cm high. The seeds that grow on the plant and fall to the ground, will rest in dormancy until next year. Egyptian spinach is virtually completely disease and pest-free. The leaves are able to be shared with grasshoppers as well as caterpillars, but they are not likely to become affected with the red spider mites. BOGI Seeds is currently offering seeds.

The leaves are rich in protein, minerals and vitamins. The younger leaves can be consumed raw in salads, on sandwiches and the older leaves cooked or dried. Take leaves like spinach. The leaves can be used in Egypt in a soup that is traditional which includes coriander, garlic and meat. In other areas the leaves can be made into a stew with cassava, rice, or chicken meat. There are a variety of recipes for this plant. The leaves can be dried before being powdered, and then used as tea. It can be stored for future use in stews and soups for extra flavor and also as a thickener . It is offered in Japan through health food stores as a healthy and nutritious tea. It is possible to use seedlings that are young pods in the same manner as the okra.

The health benefits of Egyptian spinach have been promoted since the time of the Pharaohs. It is a tea that can improve your immune system and can also be helpful for treating anaemia, cancer, constipation the cystitis, diabetes fatigue excessive blood pressure menopausal symptoms, high cholesterol, obesity, respiratory problems and water retention. Tea made of leaves may aid in birth and boost mothers’ milk production. It can be used to treat rashes, sore eyes cut, rashes and other irritations.

Many species of the genus Corchorus are used to produce Jute due to their long, strong fibres within their stalks. Jute was used throughout the years to make coarse yarn that was then used to make a rope and as a material for sacking. The tallest, unbranched stems were the best choice to use for this. The stems were submerged in vegetable matter for a few days to allow the fibres to turn brown. After that, the fibres were easily removed and then washed and dried. The fibre is also used to make paper in certain areas. Corchorus Oltorius or Egyptian spinach is most effective as a leafy vegetable. However, the other related species are more suitable for the production of jute.