Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is becoming very popular as a summer crop in the United States and around the world. Molokhia/Molokheiya and many more names. It is believed to have been a staple food in Egypt prior to the time of Christ and was the staple food of Egypt since the time of 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 6000BC asked for hot soup after being sick. After drinking hot soup each day, his condition was healed. Cleopatra could have also savored the similar soup. Egyptian Spinach together with its numerous close relatives, grows throughout Africa, India, and many other parts of Asia. It will grow in most tropical and sub tropical regions all over the world.
It is cultivated as an annual. It grows to around a meter in height, gets small yellow flowers and produces edible seed pods, and edible leaves that can be continually harvested. It is extremely durable and quick growing. As a close relation to Okra, many of the same conditions for growth are present. It loves the heat, and can withstand dry and moist conditions (not in a waterlogged) but doesn’t like the shade.
huge Egyptian spinach plant that is growing up lattices in green house
Do you wish to grow some? It can be grown in any soil type and does not care about pH. It prefers soil that is fertile and humid. Pots are also an option. It is easy to prepare the soil as normal. Then, you can plant the seeds directly to where they will flourish. The months of spring and autumn are the best times to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds can sprout faster if they are bathed in soapy hot water before planting. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for up to 12 hours. When the plant is about 40cm tall, it is time to begin picking leaves. The seeds that mature on the plant and drop to the ground will be dormant in the soil until the weather is suitable and can be used for next year’s crop. Egyptian spinach is almost non-infectious and free of pests. The grasshoppers and caterpillars share the leaves with you and in the heat of summer they can be affected by red spider mites, but overall , it’s not that problematic. BOGI Seeds currently offers seeds.
The leaf is rich in minerals, vitamins and protein. The younger leaves are great for sandwiches or salads, while the older leaves can either be dried or cooked. You can use leaves similar to spinach. The leaves can be utilized in Egypt in a soup that is traditional which includes coriander, garlic as well as meat. In other areas the leaves can be made into a stew with cassava, rice, or chicken meat. There are many recipes for this plant. The leaves can be dried, and then ground to make a tea. When the tea is ready you can store them in a container to make stews and soups in the future. In Japan it is sold in health food stores as a nutritious tea. Young seed pods can be used the same way as Okra.
Since the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been promoted for its health benefits. It is a tea which can boost your immunity. Tea made from the leaves is believed to aid during childbirth and boost the production of milk by mothers. Also, it can be used as to wash eyes that are irritated or rashes, cuts, and abrasions.
A variety of species belonging to the genus Corchorus are used to produce Jute because they possess large, strong fibres that are found in their stalks. Over the centuries this jute was utilized for making a coarse, slack yarn which was later transformed into rope and a coarse fabric for sacking. This was most effective with the tallest and most unbranched stems. Stems would be soaked for some time so that the vegetable matter could begin to turn brown and the fibers could be easily removed. They were then washed, dried, and بذور برسيم then sorted to use. In certain regions where this fibre is found, it can be used to create paper. Corchorus Olitorius or Egyptian spinach is most effective as a leaf vegetable while certain of its cousins are more suitable to make jute.
