Corchorus Olitorius, Egyptian Spinach is a popular seasonal vegetable in our region. You can call it Molokhia/Molokheiya and many more names. It is believed to have been discovered in Egypt before Christ and has been a staple food since days of the Pharaohs. Molokheiya which is an Egyptian word that translates to "vegetable for the king" is the Egyptian name of the soup. Wikipedia reports that a sick Egyptian king around 6000BC requested hot soup and was healed after consuming hot soup daily. Cleopatra could have also savored the similar soup. Egyptian Spinach along with its close relatives is found throughout Africa, India, and many other parts of Asia. It can be located in all subtropical and tropical areas of the world.
It is an annual. It can grow to about a metre tall It produces tiny yellow flowers, has edible seed pods and edible leaves that can be continuously harvested. It is very hardy and fast growing. It is a relative to okra and grows in the same conditions as the okra. However, it doesn't like shade.
Large Egyptian spinach plant that is growing in green house lattice
Are you looking to plant some? It grows in all soil types and isn't particular about pH, but naturally prefers a fertile moist soil. It's even able to grow in pots. Make sure you prepare your soil in the usual manner, then plant the seeds in the exact spot where they will grow the most optimal time for planting is between spring and autumn. Egyptian spinach seeds will develop better if they are immersed in hot water prior to planting for at least a couple of minutes. Isabel Shipard recommends soaking for up to 12 hours. When the plant is about 40cm in height, you can begin picking leaves. The seeds that mature on the plant and fall to soil will remain dormant in the soil until conditions are perfect and will be the the next crop. Egyptian spinach is virtually free of disease and pests. Caterpillars and grazers have a symbiosis with the leaves and in the heat of summer they can be affected by red spider mites but generally not an issue. BOGI Seeds currently offers seeds.
The leaf is rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein. The younger leaves can be used for sandwiches or salads, and the older leaves can either be dried or cooked. You can use leaves similarly to spinach. The leaves are utilized in Egypt as a traditional soup made with coriander, garlic, and meat. In other areas the leaves can be made into a stew made with cassava, rice, and chicken meat. This vegetable can be utilized in numerous ways. Leaves can be dried and then powdered, and then used as tea. They can also be preserved for use in stews and soups for extra flavor and also as a thickener . In Japan it is sold in health food stores as a nutritious tea. It is possible to use seedlings that are young pods the same way as the okra.
The benefits of Egyptian spinach have been promoted since the time of the Pharaohs. In the form of tea, it can enhance your immune system. It it is also believed to help treat constipation, cancer, anaemia the cystitis, diabetes fatigue and high blood pressure menopausal symptoms, high cholesterol and respiratory issues, as well as obesity as well as water retention. Tea made from leaves is believed to aid during childbirth and boost the production of milk for mothers. Also, it can be used as to wash eyes that are irritated as well as cuts, rashes and scrapes.
Due to the length of their stalks, which are strong and long the Corchorus genus's members are able to be used to create Jute. Over the centuries this jute was utilized to make a coarse yarn that was later made into rope and إنتاج تقاوى البرسيم الحجازي material for sacking. The tallest, most unbranched, stems were best to use for this. The stems were soaked for some time so that the plant matter could develop a rotting process and the fibres are easily removed. Then they were washed dried and sorted for use. This fiber is also utilized to create paper in some regions. Corchorus olitorius or Egyptian spinach is most effective as a vegetable for leaf production, while the other related species are best suited for the production of jute.
