Corchorus Olitorius, Egyptian Spinach is a very popular seasonal vegetable in our region. It’s been known as Molokhia/Molokheiya (and many other methods of spelling it) such as salad mallow Jew’s mallow, jute mallow and West African sorrel to name but few. It is thought to have been a staple food in Egypt long before the time of Christ and was a staple food there since the days of the Pharaohs. Molokheiya, أفضل أنواع بذور البرسيم an Egyptian term meaning «vegetable for kings», is the Egyptian name for the soup. Wikipedia reports that an ill Egyptian King in the year 6000 BC requested hot soup, and was healed through the consumption of hot soup on a daily basis. Cleopatra is also believed to have enjoyed the same soup. Egyptian Spinach and its numerous close connections are prevalent throughout Africa and the Middle East, India and many parts of Asia. It is a common plant in subtropical and tropical areas throughout the world.

It is grown as an annual. It grows up to one meter in height. It produces small yellow flowers and produces edible seeds in pods. The edible leaves may also be harvested throughout the year. It is very hardy and quick growing. Being a relative of Okra, many of its conditions for growth are present. It loves the heat, is tolerant of dry and أفضل أنواع بذور البرسيم moist conditions (not the waterlogged) but is not a fan of shade.

Large Egyptian spinach plant growing up lattice in green house

Do you want to grow some? It can be grown in any soil type and doesn’t care about pH, however always prefers a rich moist soil. Pots are also a possibility. Making the soil ready is normal. Then, plant the seeds to where they will flourish. The months of spring and autumn are the best seasons to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds will germinate better if they are placed in hot water prior to planting for at least couple of minutes. Isabel Shipard recommends soaking for up to 12 hours. Begin picking leaves when the plant has reached 40 cm high. The seeds that grow on the plant, only to drop to the ground, will rest in dormancy until next year. Egyptian spinach is generally pest and disease free. The leaves can be shared with grasshoppers as well as caterpillars but they are unlikely to be affected with red spider mites. Seeds are currently available from BOGI seeds.

The leaves are rich in nutrients, protein and minerals. The younger leaves can be used as a sandwich or salad, while the older leaves can either be cooked or dried. The leaves can be utilized in the same way as spinach. In Egypt the leaves are utilized in a traditional soup that includes coriander, garlic and meat. In other parts of the world it is made into a stew that includes rice, cassava, and chicken meat. This vegetable is used in a variety of ways. The leaves can be dried, and then ground into a tea. When the tea is ready you can store them in a container to make the next stews or soups. It is available in Japan through health food shops as a healthy and nutritious tea. Young seed pods are used in the same way as Okra.

The health advantages of Egyptian spinach have been promoted since the days of the Pharaohs. As a tea , it is said to increase your immunity and can also be beneficial in treating constipation, anaemia, cancer and cystitis, diabetes fatigue, high blood pressure, menopausal symptoms, high cholesterol, obesity, respiratory problems and water retention. Tea made from the leaves can aid during the birth of a child and boost the production of milk for mothers. Also, it can be used as to treat sore eyes cut, rashes, cuts and abrasions.

Many of the species in the genus Corchorus are used as a source of jute as they have long, strong fibres in their stalks. Over the centuries this jute was used to create a coarse yarn which was later transformed into rope and fabric for sacking. It was best to use the highest and longest stems. The stems were immersed in vegetable matter for several days, allowing the fibres to turn brown. The fibres could be easily removed, then cleaned and dried. The fibre is also used for paper production in certain regions. Corchorus Olitorius, also known as Egyptian spinach, is the best used to make Jute. However many of its cousins can also be used for other uses.