Another Excellent Summer Spinach Egyptian Spinach

Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is growing in popularity as a summer crop in our part of the world. Molokhia/Molokheiya as well as many other names. It is believed to have been first discovered in Egypt prior to Christ, and has been a staple food since times of the Pharaohs. It is believed that the Egyptian name molokheiya means 'vegetable for the king', according to Wikipedia, an Egyptian King around 6000BC asked for hot soup because he was sick and after drinking the hot soup daily, his illness was cured. Cleopatra is also said to have eaten the same soup. Egyptian Spinach, along with its many close relatives, grows throughout Africa, India, and many other parts of Asia. It can be located in all subtropical and tropical regions of the globe.



It is cultivated as an annual. It grows to about a metre tall, gets small yellow flowers and produces edible seed pods and edible leaves that can be continually harvested. It is extremely hardy and grows quickly. It is a cousin of okra and can grow in many of the same conditions as the okra. But, it doesn't need shade.


large Egyptian spinach plant growing on lattice in green house


Are you interested in growing one? It is able to grow in any type of soil and is not concerned about pH. It prefers fertile soil that is moist. It can even grow in pots. Prepare your soil in your normal way then plant seed directly in the area where they'll grow The best time to plant is between spring and autumn. Egyptian spinach seeds will germinate better if they are immersed 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 is 40cm high. The seeds that grow on the plant and fall to the ground, اسعار بذور البرسيم (please click the following page) will rest in dormancy until next year. Egyptian spinach is largely pest and disease free. The leaves can be shared by grasshoppers and caterpillars, however they are unlikely to be infected 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, and the older leaves can be dried or cooked. The leaves can be utilized in the same way as spinach. In Egypt the leaves are used in a soup made of coriander, garlic and meat, in other parts of the world it is made into a stew that includes rice, اسعار بذور البرسيم cassava, and even chicken meat. This vegetable is used in many ways. Leaves can be dried and then powdered to make tea. They can also be stored for future use in soups and stews for added flavor and to thicken the dish . It is available in Japan through health food stores as a nutritious and healthy tea. Young seed pods can be utilized the same way as okra.



Since the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been praised as having health benefits. As a tea , it is said to enhance your immune system. It can also aid in treating constipation, cancer, anaemia the cystitis, diabetes fatigue as well as high blood pressure, menopausal symptoms, high cholesterol, obesity, respiratory problems as well as water retention. Tea made from the leaves is said to aid in the child's birth and increase the amount of milk produced by mothers. It can also be used to treat sore eyes as well as cuts, rashes and scratch marks.



Many species of the Corchorus genus can be grown to produce Jute since they have long, strong fibres within their stalks. The jute fibers were used over many centuries to make coarse yarn that could later be used as rope as well as as a sacking fabric. This was most effective with the largest and least branched stems. The stems were soaked for many days, so that the plant matter could rot and the fibres easily removed then washed, dried and sorted before being used. This fibre is also used for paper production in certain areas. Corchorus Olitorius, which is also known as Egyptian spinach, is the best utilized to create jute. However many of its cousins can be used for other reasons.