Another Spinach That Is Great For Our Summers -- Egyptian Spinach

Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is getting very well-known as a summer crop in our part of the world. You can call it Molokhia/Molokheiya and many more names. It is thought to have originated in Egypt long before the time of Christ and has been a common food in Egypt from the time of the Pharaohs. Molokheiya, which is an Egyptian word that translates to "vegetable for the king" is the Egyptian term used to describe the soup. Wikipedia states that an ill Egyptian King, around 6000BC, requested hot soup and was cured by drinking hot soup every day. Cleopatra might have also enjoyed the same soup. Egyptian Spinach, along with its numerous close cousins, grows throughout Africa, India, and numerous other regions of Asia. It will grow in most subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world.



It can be grown as an annual. It grows up to an metre high, bears small yellow flowers, and produces edible seeds that are shaped like pods. The edible leaves can be harvested continuously. It is extremely hardy and grows rapidly. It is a relative to okra and grows in many of the same conditions like Okra. It does not prefer shade.


Large Egyptian spinach plant growing up in the green lattice of the house


Are you interested in growing one? It will grow in all soil types and doesn't care about the pH but naturally prefers a fertile moist soil. It can even grow in pots. Make sure you prepare your soil in the normal manner and then place the seed directly where they will grow The ideal time for planting is between spring and autumn. Egyptian spinach seeds develop better if they are immersed in hot water prior to planting for at least few minutes, Isabel Shipard recommends soaking for at least 12 hours. When the plant is about 40cm in height, you can start picking leaves. The seeds that mature on the plant and fall to ground will lie dormant within the soil until weather is appropriate and they will grow into the next crop. Egyptian spinach is generally pest and disease free. Caterpillars and grazers share the leaves with you and during the hot summer they could be affected by red spider mites. However, generally not an issue. BOGI Seeds is currently offering seeds.



The leaf is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and protein. Younger leaves can be eaten raw in salads or sandwiches and the older leaves dried or cooked. You can use leaves in the same way as spinach. The leaves are used in Egypt in a soup that is traditional, with garlic, coriander and even meat. In other areas it can be cooked into a stew that includes cassava, rice, or chicken meat. There are a variety of recipes for this plant. The leaves can be dried and then ground into tea. When the tea has been prepared, you can keep them in a container and use them to make stews and soups in the future. In Japan it is marketed through health food stores as a healthy tea. You can make use of young seed pods in the same way as Okra.



Since the Pharaohs, بذور برسيم مصري Egyptian spinach has been praised as having health benefits. As a tea , it is said to enhance your immune system. It it is also believed to help treat anaemia, cancer, constipation, cystitis, diabetes, fatigue and high blood pressure menopausal symptoms, high cholesterol overweight, respiratory disorders and water retention. Tea made from leaves is believed to aid during childbirth and boost milk production for mothers. Also, it can be used as to treat sore eyes cut, rashes, cuts and scratches.



Due to their strong, long stalks Many Corchorus genus members can be grown for Jute. Through the ages, this jute was used to create a coarse yarn which was then made into ropes and a fine fabric for sacking. The tallest, most unbranched, stems were best for this. The stems were soaked for several days in order that the plant matter could turn brown and the fibers could be easily removed then washed, dried, and sorted for use. In certain regions where this fibre is found, it can be used for paper. Corchorus Olitorius, also known as Egyptian spinach is most commonly used as a leafy vegetable. However, بذور برسيم مصري others of its relatives are ideal for jute production.