Corchorus Olitorius Egyptian Spinach is a popular summer vegetable in our region. Molokhia/Molokheiya, and many other names. It is believed that it originated in Egypt in the early days of Christ and has been a staple food there since the days of the Pharaohs. The Egyptian name molokheiya means 'vegetable for the King' according to Wikipedia, an Egyptian king, around 6000 BC, requested hot soup because he was unwell . After taking the hot soup every day the illness was treated. Cleopatra could have also savored the same soup. Egyptian Spinach, along with its numerous close cousins is found throughout Africa, India, and numerous other regions of Asia. It can be located in all tropical and subtropical areas of the world.
It is grown as an annual. It grows up to an metre high, has small yellow flowers and produces edible seeds that are shaped like pods. The edible leaves may also be harvested continuously. It is very robust and fast growing. It is a cousin to okra and grows in the same conditions like Okra. But, it doesn't need shade.
huge Egyptian spinach plant growing on the lattice of the green house
Are you thinking of growing one? It grows in all soil types and isn't particular about the pH but of course prefers a fertile moist soil. It can even grow in pots. Making the soil ready is normal. After that, plant the seeds where they will grow. Autumn and spring are the ideal times to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds develop better if they are immersed in hot water prior to planting for at least a few minutes, Isabel Shipard recommends soaking for up to 12 hours. Pick leaves as soon as the plant is 40 centimeters high. Seeds that mature on the plant and fall to the soil will remain dormant in the soil until the weather is appropriate and they will grow into next year's crop. Egyptian spinach is fairly disease and pest free. The leaves are able to be shared with grasshoppers and caterpillars, however they aren't likely to get infected by the red spider mites. Seeds are available at present from BOGI seeds.
The leaf is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and protein. The younger leaves can be used for sandwiches or بذور مصريه salads, while the older leaves can be dried or cooked. It is possible to use leaves in similarly to spinach. In Egypt the leaves are cooked in a soup made of coriander, garlic and meat, in other areas it is made into a stew with cassava, rice and chicken meat. There are many recipes available for بذور مصريه this vegetable. The leaves can be dried before being powdered and made into tea. They can also be stored for future use in stews and soups to add flavour and as a thickener . In Japan it is advertised in health food stores as a healthy tea. Young seed pods the same way as okra.
The health benefits of Egyptian spinach have been marketed from the time of the Pharaohs. It is a tea that can enhance your immune system. It is also said to help treat anaemia, cancer, constipation as well as diabetes, cystitis fatigue, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, menopausal symptoms overweight, respiratory disorders as well as water retention. Tea made of leaves can help during pregnancy and help increase mother's milk production. It can also be used for washing eyes cut, rashes, cuts and scratch marks.
Many species of the genus Corchorus are used as a source of Jute since they have long, strong fibres in their stalks. Over the centuries the jute was used for making a coarse, slack yarn which was later transformed into ropes and a fine fabric for sacking. The tallest, most unbranched, stems are the most suitable for this. Stems would be soaked over several days so the vegetable matter would develop a rotting process and the fibres are easily removed. They were then washed, dried, and sorted for use. This fiber is also used to make paper in some regions. Corchorus olitorius or Egyptian spinach is best utilized as a leafy vegetable. However, some of its other relatives are best suited to make jute.
