Another Great Summer Spinach - Egyptian Spinach

Corchorus Olitorius, Egyptian Spinach is a popular summer vegetable in our region. It goes under many names Molokhia/Molokheiya (and numerous other ways to spell it), salad mallow, Jute mallow, Jew's Mallow and West African sorrel to name but several. It is believed to have been discovered in Egypt before Christ and was a staple food since the time of the Pharaohs. The Egyptian name molokheiya means 'vegetable for the king', according to Wikipedia, a sick Egyptian King around 6000 BC, requested hot soup because he was sick. After drinking the hot soup every day his illness was cured. Cleopatra might also have enjoyed the same soup. Egyptian Spinach, along with its close relatives is found throughout Africa, India, and numerous other regions of Asia. It is located in all tropical and subtropical areas of the world.



It is planted as an annual. It will grow to around a meter in height It produces tiny yellow flowers, has edible seed pods, and edible leaves that are easily harvested. It is extremely durable and rapidly growing. Being a relative of Okra, many of the conditions for growth are present. It loves the heat and is able to handle both dry and wet conditions (not wet) however, it isn't a fan of the shade.


huge Egyptian spinach plant that is growing up the lattice of the green home


Do you want to grow some? It is able to grow in all soil types and does not care about pH. However, it naturally prefers a fertile moist soil. Pots are also possible. Prepare your soil the usual manner, then plant the seeds directly where they will grow, the best planting time is between the seasons of spring and fall. Egyptian spinach seeds will grow better when they are placed in hot water prior to planting for at least a few minutes, Isabel Shipard recommends soaking for at least 12 hours. When the plant grows to around 40cm high, you are able to begin picking leaves. The seeds that mature on the plant and fall to ground will lie dormant within the soil until conditions are appropriate and they will grow into next year's crop. Egyptian spinach is relatively disease and بذور مصريه pest free. Caterpillars and grasshoppers can take advantage of the leaves and in the heat of summer, they may be affected by red spider mites however overall not too problematical. Seeds are currently available from BOGI seeds.



The leaves are extremely rich in proteins, minerals, and vitamins. Younger leaves can be eaten raw in salads, or on sandwiches and the older leaves dried or cooked. You can use leaves in the same way as spinach. In Egypt the leaves are utilized in a soup made of garlic, coriander and meat, in other areas it is made into a stew with rice, cassava and chicken meat. There are numerous recipes for this plant. The leaves can be dried, and then ground into tea. When the tea is ready, you can put them in a container to make future soups or بذور مصريه stews. It is sold in Japan through health food stores as a nutritious and healthy tea. Young seed pods in the same way as the okra.



Since the time of the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been praised for its health benefits. It is a tea that can boost your immune system. Tea made of leaves is said to aid during childbirth and boost the production of milk by mothers. It can be used to treat sore eyes as well as rashes, cuts and rashes.



Many members of the Corchorus genus are grown to produce jute as they have long, strong fibres within their stalks. This jute was used over the years to make coarse yarn. This was then used to make a rope and as a sacking fabric. The most tall, unbranched stems were best to use for this. The stems were submerged in vegetable matter for several days to allow the fibers to begin to decay. The fibres could be easily removed and washed and dried. In some areas, this fibre can also be used to create paper. Corchorus Olitorius, also referred to as Egyptian spinach, is the best used to make Jute. However many of its cousins can be used for other reasons.