Another Spinach That Is Great For Our Summers - Egyptian Spinach

Egyptian Spinach, أفضل انواع بذور البرسيم Corchorus olitorius, is growing in popularity as a summer crop in our part of the world. It is known under a variety of names: Molokhia/Molokheiya (and several other ways to spell it) as well as salad mallow, Jew's mallow mallow and West African sorrel to name just few. It is believed that it been a staple food in Egypt in the early days of Christ and has been the staple food of Egypt from the time of the Pharaohs. Molokheiya is an Egyptian word that translates to "vegetable for the king", is the Egyptian term used to describe the soup. Wikipedia says that a sick Egyptian King in the year 6000 BC requested hot soup and was cured by drinking hot soup every day. Cleopatra is also believed to have drank the same soup. Egyptian Spinach as well as its many close connections grow across Africa in the Middle East, India and many parts of Asia. It is located in all subtropical and tropical regions around the world.



It is planted as an annual. It grows to around a meter in height it produces tiny yellow flowers and produces edible seed pods, and edible leaves that can be constantly harvested. It is extremely durable and is able to grow rapidly. It is a relative of okra , and it can thrive in many of the same conditions like okra. It doesn't need shade.


Large Egyptian spinach plant growing up the lattice of the green home


Are you thinking of growing one? It can thrive in any type of soil and is not concerned about pH. However, it prefers soil that is fertile and well-drained. It will even do well in pots. Preparing the soil is as normal. After that, plant the seeds directly in the area where they will develop. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds will sprout better if placed in hot water prior to planting for at least a couple of minutes. Isabel Shipard recommends soaking for up to 12 hours. When the plant grows to around 40cm tall, it is time to begin picking leaves. Seeds that mature on plant and drop to the soil will remain dormant in the soil until the conditions are perfect and will be the the next crop. Egyptian spinach is nearly free of disease and pests. The leaves are able to be shared with grasshoppers as well as caterpillars, but they are not likely to become infected by red spider mites. Seeds are available now from BOGI seeds.



The leaves are rich in proteins, minerals, and vitamins. Younger leaves can be consumed raw in salads, or on sandwiches, and older leaves can be cooked or dried. Utilize leaves the same way you would spinach. In Egypt the leaves are cooked in a traditional soup that includes garlic, coriander and meat, in other areas it is made into a stew that includes rice, cassava, and even chicken meat. There are many recipes for this plant. Leaves can be dried , then powdered to make a tea, kept for later use in soups and stews for added flavour and as a thickener . In Japan it is marketed through the health food store as a health tea. It is possible to use seedlings that are young pods the same way as the okra.



Since the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been praised as having health benefits. It is a tea that can improve the immune system. Tea made from leaves can assist in pregnancy and help increase mother's milk production. It can be used to treat rashes, sore eyes, rashes and cuts.



A variety of species belonging to the Corchorus genus are grown as a source of Jute because they possess large, strong fibres that are found in their stalks. Jute was used throughout the centuries to make coarse yarn that could later be used as rope or as a packing fabric. This was most effective with the highest and longest stems. The stems were then soaked in vegetable matter for a few days to allow the fibers to turn brown. After that, the fibres could be easily removed, أفضل انواع بذور البرسيم and later washed and dried. In some areas, this fibre can also be used to make paper. Corchorus Olitorius, which is also known as Egyptian spinach, is best used to make Jute. However certain of its relatives can be used for other uses.