Corchorus Olitorius Egyptian Spinach is a popular summer vegetable in our region. It’s been known as Molokhia/Molokheiya (and various other ways of spelling it) such as salad mallow Jute mallow, Jew’s Mallow and West African sorrel to name but some. It is believed to have originated in Egypt prior to the time of Christ and has been a staple food there since the time of the Pharaohs. The Egyptian name molokheiya is a reference to’vegetables for the King’, according to Wikipedia a sick Egyptian King around 6000BC asked for hot soup while unwell . After taking the hot soup on a daily basis, his illness was cured. Cleopatra could have also savored the similar soup. Egyptian Spinach and its many close relations grow throughout Africa, the Middle East, India and various regions of Asia. It is a common plant in subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world.
It is grown as an annual. It grows up to an metre high, produces small yellow flowers and produces edible seeds in pods. The edible leaves may also be harvested continuously. It is extremely durable and is able to grow rapidly. Similar to Okra, many of its conditions for growth are present. It loves the heat, is tolerant of both dry and wet conditions (not waterlogged) but is not a fan of shade.
Large Egyptian spinach plant growing up in green house lattice
Do you want to grow some? It is able to grow in any type of soil and does not care about pH. However, it prefers soil with a fertile pH that is well-drained. Pots can also be used. The preparation of the soil is normal. After that, plant the seeds right where they will grow. The months of spring and autumn are the best time to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds will sprout better if soaked in hot water before planting for at least a few minutes, Isabel Shipard recommends soaking for up to 12 hours. Begin picking leaves when the plant is about 40 cm tall. The seeds that grow on the plant, and then disappear to the earth, will rest in dormancy until next year. Egyptian spinach is virtually free of disease and pests. Caterpillars and grasshoppers can have a symbiosis with the leaves and during summer they could be affected by red spider mites, but generally not an issue. Seeds are available at present from BOGI seeds.
The leaves are extremely rich in protein, minerals and vitamins. The younger leaves can be utilized in salads or شركات البذور الزراعية في مصر sandwiches, while older leaves can either be dried or cooked. Use leaves as you would spinach. The leaves can be used in Egypt in a soup that is traditional made with coriander, garlic and even meat. In other regions it is made into a stew with rice, cassava, and chicken meat. This vegetable can be used in many ways. The leaves can be dried and later ground into a tea. Once the tea is ready, you can store them in a container so that you can make further stews or soups. In Japan it is advertised in health food stores as a healthy tea. Young seed pods are used in the same way as okra.
The health benefits of Egyptian spinach have been marketed since the time of the Pharaohs. As a tea it will enhance your immune system. It it is also believed to be beneficial in treating constipation, anaemia, cancer, cystitis, diabetes, fatigue, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, menopausal symptoms, obesity, respiratory problems and water retention. Tea made from the leaves can aid during childbirth and boost the production of milk for mothers. It can be used to treat sore eyes or rashes as well as cuts, bruises and cuts.
A variety of species belonging to the Corchorus genus can be grown to produce Jute due to their long, strong fibres in their stalks. In the past, the jute was used to create a coarse yarn which was later transformed into rope and a coarse fabric for sacking. This was best done with the tallest and most unbranched stems. The stems were then soaked in vegetable matter for several days to allow the fibres to rot. After that, the fibres were easily removed, then washed and dried. In some regions where this fibre is found, it can be used to make paper. Corchorus olitorius or Egyptian spinach is best utilized as a leafy vegetable. However, certain of its cousins are best suited to make jute.