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Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is growing in popularity as a summer crop in our part of the world. It’s known by many different names. Molokhia/Molokheiya (and several other ways of spelling it) such as salad mallow Jew’s mallow mallow and West African sorrel to name just a few. It is believed to have been discovered in Egypt prior to Christ and was an essential food item since the period of the Pharaohs. Molokheiya, an Egyptian term which translates to «vegetable for king» is the Egyptian term used to describe the soup. Wikipedia claims that a sick Egyptian King in the year 6000 BC requested hot soup. He was then healed after consuming hot soup daily. Cleopatra is also believed to have enjoyed the same soup. Egyptian Spinach, along with its numerous close relatives is found throughout Africa, India, and various other parts of Asia. It can be located throughout the subtropical and tropical regions of the globe.
It is an annual. It can grow up to a maximum of a metre it produces tiny yellow flowers and بذور برسيم حجازي produces edible seed pods, and edible leaves that can be continuously harvested. It is extremely tough and grows quickly. It is a relative of okra that can be grown in many of the same conditions like Okra. But, it doesn’t prefer shade.
Large Egyptian spinach plant growing in green house lattice
Are you looking to plant some? It is able to grow in any type of soil and doesn’t care about pH. However, it prefers soil with a fertile pH that is humid. Pots are also an option. Making the soil ready is normal. Then, you can plant the seeds directly in the area where they will develop. Spring and autumn are the best time to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds will develop faster if immersed in soapy, hot water prior to plant. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for as long as 12 hours. Once the plant has grown to about 40cm high, you are able to begin to harvest leaves. The seeds which mature on the plant, and then drop to the ground, will not be able to germinate until the following year. Egyptian spinach is nearly free of disease and pests. Caterpillars and grazers take advantage of the leaves and in the heat of summer they can be affected by red spider mites but generally, they are not a problem. Seeds are available now from BOGI seeds.
The leaves are very high in nutrients, protein and minerals. The younger leaves can be used in sandwiches or salads while older leaves may either be dried or cooked. Leaves can be used in similar to spinach. In Egypt the leaves are cooked in a traditional soup with coriander, garlic and meat. In other places it is cooked into a stew made with rice, cassava, and chicken meat. This vegetable is used in many ways. Leaves can be dried then powdered and made into a tea, kept for بذور برسيم حجازي later use in soups and stews for added flavour and as a thickener . It is offered in Japan through health food shops as a nutritious and healthy tea. It is possible to use seedlings that are young pods the same way as okra.
Since the time of the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been touted for its health benefits. It is a tea that can increase the immune system. Tea made from the leaves is believed to aid in the child’s birth and increase the production of milk by mothers. It can also be used for treating eye sores cut, rashes and other irritations.
Many species of the genus Corchorus are used to produce jute as they have thick, sturdy fibres in their stalks. This jute was used over the years to make coarse yarn that was then used as rope or as a sacking fabric. This was most effective with the tallest and most unbranched stems. Stems would be soaked over several days in order that the matter of the vegetable would begin to decay and the fibres would be easily removed. Then they were washed dried and sorted for use. This fibre is also used for paper production in some areas. Corchorus olitorius or Egyptian spinach is best utilized as a vegetable for leaf production, while certain of its cousins are best suited to make jute.