Another Wonderful Summer Spinach Egyptian Spinach

Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is growing in popularity as a garden vegetable in our part of the world. It's known by many different names. Molokhia/Molokheiya (and numerous other ways to spell it) such as salad mallow Jew's mallow mallow and West African sorrel to name only a few. It is believed that it originated in Egypt prior to the time of Christ and has been the staple food of Egypt since the time of Pharaohs. The Egyptian name molokheiya means 'vegetable for the king', according to Wikipedia, a sick Egyptian king, around 6000 BC, requested hot soup when he was sick. After drinking the hot soup on a daily basis, his ailments were cured. Cleopatra might also have enjoyed the similar soup. Egyptian Spinach as well as its numerous close relationships are found throughout Africa, the Middle East, India and several parts of Asia. It can be found throughout the subtropical and tropical regions of the globe.



It is grown as an annual. It will grow to around a meter in height and produces small yellow flowers, has edible seed pods and leaves that can be continually harvested. It is extremely durable and is able to grow rapidly. As a close relation to okra many of the same cultivars, it enjoys the heat and is able to handle dry and humid conditions (not the waterlogged) but doesn't like the shade.


Large Egyptian spinach plant growing up in the green lattice of the house


Do you want to grow some? It grows in all soil types and is not particular about the pH but always prefers a rich moist soil. Pots are also possible. Preparing the soil is as normal. After that, plant the seeds directly in the area where they will develop. Autumn and spring are the best time to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds can sprout faster if they are soaked in hot, soapy water prior to planting. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for as long as 12 hours. The time to pick leaves is when the plant is about 40 cm high. The seeds which mature on the plant, then fall to the ground, will be dormant until the next year. Egyptian spinach is virtually pest and disease-free. Caterpillars and grasshoppers can take advantage of the leaves and in the heat of summer they could be affected by red spider mites but overall not too problematical. BOGI Seeds currently offers seeds.



The leaves are rich in nutrients, protein and minerals. The younger leaves can be eaten raw in salads or sandwiches, انواع بذور البرسيم and older leaves can be dried or cooked. Utilize leaves the same way you would spinach. In Egypt the leaves are cooked in a traditional soup with coriander, garlic and meat, in other areas it is made into a stew that includes rice, cassava, and even chicken meat. This vegetable can be utilized in a variety of ways. The leaves can be dried and then ground to make a tea. Once the tea is ready, you can keep them in a container and use them to make further stews or soups. In Japan it is marketed through health food stores as a healthy tea. You can make use of young seed pods in the same way as the okra.



The benefits of Egyptian spinach have been marketed since the time of the Pharaohs. It is a tea that can enhance your immune system. It is believed to be beneficial in treating anaemia, cancer, constipation, cystitis, diabetes, fatigue excessive blood pressure high cholesterol, menopausal symptoms, obesity, respiratory problems and water retention. Tea made from the leaves is believed to aid during the birth of a child and boost the production of milk by mothers. You can use it for treating eye sores cut, rashes and other irritations.



Due to their long, sturdy stalks Many Corchorus genus members are able to be used to create Jute. The jute fibers were used over many centuries to make coarse yarn. This was then used to make rope, and also as material for sacking. It was best made using the highest and longest stems. The stems were immersed in vegetable matter for a few days to allow the fibres to begin to decay. After that, the fibres could be easily removed and then cleaned and dried. This fibre is also used to make paper in certain regions. Corchorus Olitorius, also referred to as Egyptian spinach, is the best used to make jute. However certain of its relatives are also used for different purposes.