Another Spinach That Is Great For Our Summers - Egyptian Spinach

Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is getting very well-known as a summer vegetable in our part of the world. It is also known as Molokhia/Molokheiya and many more names. It is believed that it has been first discovered in Egypt before Christ and has been an essential food item since the time of the Pharaohs. Molokheiya, which is an Egyptian term that means "vegetable for kings", is the Egyptian name of the soup. Wikipedia claims that an ill Egyptian king around 6000BC requested hot soup, and was healed after consuming hot soup daily. Cleopatra is also said to have eaten the same soup. Egyptian Spinach and its numerous close connections are prevalent throughout Africa as well as the Middle East, India and several regions of Asia. It grows in the majority of subtropical and tropical zones throughout the world.



It is possible to grow it as an annual. It grows up to 1 metre tall, it bears tiny yellow flowers and produces edible seeds that are shaped like pods. The edible leaves can also be harvested on a regular basis. It is extremely hardy and rapidly growing. It is a very close relative to Okra, many of its characteristics are in place. It is a fan of the heat, and can withstand اسعار بذور البرسيم both dry and wet conditions (not wet) but doesn't like the shade.


Large Egyptian spinach plant that is growing in the green house lattice


Do you wish to grow some? It is able to grow in any type of soil and does not care about pH. However, it prefers soil that is fertile and humid. Pots are also an option. It is easy to prepare the soil as normal. Then, you plant seeds in the exact spot to where they will flourish. Spring and autumn are the ideal times to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds will grow better when they are immersed in hot water prior to planting for at minimum a couple of minutes. Isabel Shipard recommends soaking for up to 12 hours. When the plant is about 40cm tall, it is time to begin to pick leaves. The seeds that develop on the plant, and then go to the ground and will not be able to germinate until the following year. Egyptian spinach is relatively pest and disease free. Caterpillars and grasshoppers can have a symbiosis with the leaves and during the hot summer they can be affected by red spider mites but overall , it's not that problematic. BOGI Seeds is currently offering seeds.



The leaf is rich in minerals, vitamins and protein. The younger leaves can be consumed raw in salads, or on sandwiches, and older leaves can be cooked or dried. Leaves can be used in similarly to spinach. The leaves are utilized in Egypt as a traditional soup, with garlic, coriander and even meat. In other areas the leaves can be made into a stew using rice, اسعار بذور البرسيم (Main Page) cassava, and chicken meat. This vegetable can be used in many ways. The leaves can be dried, and later ground into a tea. After the tea has been prepared, you can put them in a container to make further stews or soups. It is available in Japan through health food stores as a nutritious and healthy tea. You can use young seed pods in the same manner as okra.



The health benefits of Egyptian spinach have been marketed since the time of Pharaohs. In the form of tea, it can boost your immune system and is also said to help treat constipation, cancer, anaemia, cystitis, diabetes, fatigue and high blood pressure menopausal symptoms, high cholesterol, obesity, respiratory problems and water retention. Tea made from the leaves is believed to aid in the child's birth and increase the production of milk for mothers. It can also be used as to wash eyes that are irritated as well as cuts, rashes and scratches.



Many members of the Corchorus genus can be grown as a source of Jute due to their long, strong fibres in their stalks. This jute was used over many centuries to make coarse yarn. This was then used to make rope, and also as sacking fabric. This was best done with the highest and longest stems. Stems would be soaked over several days in order that the vegetable matter would rot and the fibres easily removed. They were then washed, dried and sorted before being used. In some regions, this fibre can also be used to make paper. Corchorus Olitorius, also referred to as Egyptian spinach, is the best used to make jute. However certain of its relatives are also used for different functions.