Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is getting increasingly popular as a summer vegetable in our part of the world. Molokhia/Molokheiya is a common name or many other names. It is believed to have been a staple food in Egypt well before the time of Christ and was the staple food of Egypt from the time of the Pharaohs. Molokheiya which is an Egyptian term which translates to “vegetable for king” is the Egyptian name for the soup. Wikipedia claims that a sick Egyptian King in the year 6000 BC requested hot soup and was cured after consuming hot soup daily. Cleopatra is also believed to have drank the same soup. Egyptian Spinach and its numerous close connections are prevalent throughout Africa and the Middle East, India and various regions of Asia. It is a common plant in tropical and sub tropical regions throughout the world.
It is grown as an annual. It grows up to 1 metre tall, bears small yellow flowers, and produces edible seed pods. The edible leaves can be harvested on a regular basis. It is extremely durable and is fast growing. It is a cousin of okra that can be grown in the same conditions as okra. However, it doesn’t need shade.
Large Egyptian spinach plant growing up in the green lattice of the house
Do you want to grow some? It can thrive in any soil type and is not concerned about pH. However, it prefers soil that is fertile and damp. Pots are also a possibility. The preparation of the soil is normal. Then, plant the seeds right in the area where they will develop. The months of spring and autumn are the ideal times to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds can grow faster if immersed in soapy, hot water before planting. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for as long as 12 hours. The time to pick leaves is when the plant is around 40 cm high. Seeds that mature on the plant and drop to the soil will remain dormant in the soil until weather is perfect and will be the next year’s crop. Egyptian spinach is largely pest and disease free. Caterpillars and grasshoppers can take advantage of the leaves and during summer, they may be affected by red spider mites but overall , it’s not that problematic. BOGI Seeds currently offers seeds.
The leaf is a rich source of minerals, vitamins and protein. The younger leaves can be eaten raw in salads or sandwiches and the older leaves dried or cooked. It is possible to use leaves in the same way as spinach. In Egypt the leaves are used in a traditional soup that includes coriander, garlic and meat. In other areas it is made into a stew using rice, cassava and chicken meat. There are a variety of recipes for this vegetable. The leaves can be dried and شركات بيع بذور الخضروات then ground into a tea. Once the tea is ready, you can keep them in a container for stews and soups in the future. In Japan it is promoted through the health food store as a nutritious tea. Young seed pods can be utilized the same way as the okra.
The health advantages of Egyptian spinach have been marketed from the time of the Pharaohs. It is a drink that can improve the immune system. Tea made from leaves can assist in childbirth and increase mothers’ milk production. It can also be used to treat sore eyes cut, rashes and other irritations.
Due to the length of their stalks, which are strong and long the Corchorus genus’s members can be grown to make jute. This jute was used over the years to make coarse yarn, which was later used as rope as well as as a bagging fabric. This was best done with the most tall and unbranched stems. The stems were submerged in vegetable matter for several days, allowing the fibres to begin to decay. After that, the fibres could be easily removed, شركات بيع بذور الخضروات and later washed and dried. In some regions it is also possible for this fiber to be used for paper. Corchorus Olitorius or Egyptian spinach is most commonly used as a leaf vegetable , whereas some of its other relatives are best suited for jute production.