Another Excellent Summer Spinach Egyptian Spinach

Corchorus Olitorius, افضل بذور برسيم (https://rentry.co/) Egyptian Spinach is a popular seasonal vegetable in our region. Molokhia/Molokheiya or many other names. It is believed to have been discovered in Egypt prior to Christ and was an essential food item since the times of the Pharaohs. Molokheiya, which is an Egyptian term meaning "vegetable for king" is the Egyptian name of the soup. Wikipedia claims that a sick Egyptian King in the year 6000 BC requested hot soup and was healed by drinking hot soup regularly. Cleopatra might have also enjoyed the same soup. Egyptian Spinach, along with its numerous close relatives can be found all over Africa, India, and various other parts of Asia. It can be located in all subtropical and tropical areas of the world.



It is grown as an annual. It can grow to about a meter tall It produces tiny yellow flowers, produces edible seed pods and edible leaves that can be continually harvested. It is very hardy and grows quickly. As a close relation to Okra, many of the conditions for growth are present. It loves the heat, is tolerant of dry and humid conditions (not the waterlogged) but is not a fan of shade.


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


Are you looking to plant some? It grows in all soil types and doesn't care about the pH but naturally prefers a fertile moist soil. Pots are also possible. Make sure you prepare your soil in the normal way then plant seed directly where they will grow, the best planting time is between the months of spring and autumn. Egyptian spinach seeds develop faster if immersed in soapy, hot water prior to planting. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for as long as 12 hours. When the plant is approximately 40cm tall, it is time to begin to pick leaves. The seeds that grow on the plant and drop to the ground, will not be able to germinate until the following year. Egyptian spinach is generally non-infested and pest-free. The leaves can be shared with grasshoppers and caterpillars, however they will not be infected with the red spider mites. Seeds are currently available from BOGI seeds.



The leaves are high in proteins, minerals, and vitamins. The younger leaves can be eaten raw in salads, or on sandwiches and the older leaves cooked or dried. Use leaves as you would spinach. In Egypt the leaves are cooked in a traditional soup with garlic, افضل بذور برسيم coriander and meat. In other parts of the world it is made into a stew made with cassava, rice and chicken meat. This vegetable is used in many ways. The leaves can be dried and then ground to make a tea. When the tea is prepared, you can store them in a container for further stews or soups. It is sold in Japan through health food shops as a nutritious and healthy tea. Young seed pods can be utilized the same way as Okra.



Since the time of the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been widely praised as having health benefits. It is a tea which can improve the immune system. Tea made from leaves can assist in birth and boost mothers' milk production. It is also used to treat rashes, sore eyes or rashes as well as cuts, bruises and cuts.



A variety of species belonging to the genus Corchorus are used to produce Jute since they have large, strong fibres that are found in their stalks. Jute was utilized over the centuries to make coarse yarn. It was then used as rope, and also as sacking fabric. This was most effective with the most tall and unbranched stems. The stems were then soaked in vegetable matter for a few days, allowing the fibres to rot. The fibres could be easily removed and cleaned and dried. In some areas, this fibre can also be used to make paper. Corchorus Olitorius is also known as Egyptian spinach, is the best used to make Jute. However it is also possible that some of its cousins are also used for different functions.