Another Fantastic Summer Spinach Egyptian Spinach

Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is growing in popularity as a summer vegetable in our part of the world. It's known by many different names. Molokhia/Molokheiya (and numerous other ways to spell it) and salad mallow. Jute mallow, Jew's Mallow and West African sorrel to name only few. It is believed to have originated in Egypt prior to the time of Christ and was a common food in Egypt since the time of Pharaohs. The Egyptian name molokheiya is a reference to'vegetables for the King', according to Wikipedia, an Egyptian King, in the year 6000BC asked for hot soup after being sick and after drinking the hot soup daily, his ailments were cured. Cleopatra is also believed to have eaten the same soup. Egyptian Spinach as well as its numerous close connections are prevalent throughout Africa in the Middle East, India and many regions of Asia. It is a common plant in subtropical and tropical areas all over the world.



It is planted as an annual. It can grow to around a meter in height it produces tiny yellow flowers, and produces edible seed pods and leaves that are easily harvested. It is extremely durable and can grow quickly. Being a relative of Okra, many of the conditions for growth are present. It loves the heat, and can withstand both dry and wet conditions (not waterlogged) however, it isn't a fan of the shade.


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


Are you interested in establishing one? It can be grown in all soil types and doesn't care about the pH but naturally prefers a fertile moist soil. It's even able to grow in pots. Make sure you prepare your soil in the normal manner and then place the seed right where they will develop the most optimal time for planting is between the months of spring and autumn. Egyptian spinach seeds will grow faster if placed in warm, soapy water prior to plant. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for up to 12 hours. When the plant is about 40cm high, you are able to begin to harvest leaves. The seeds that mature on the plant, then drop to the ground, will be dormant until the next year. Egyptian spinach is relatively disease and pest free. The leaves can be shared by grasshoppers and caterpillars, however they are unlikely to be infected by the red spider mites. Seeds are available at present from BOGI seeds.



The leaf is a rich source of minerals, vitamins, and protein. The younger leaves are great in sandwiches or salads while older leaves can be dried or cooked. Use leaves as you would spinach. The leaves are utilized in Egypt in a soup that is traditional which includes coriander, garlic, and meat. In other regions it is made into a stew using cassava, rice and chicken meat. This vegetable is used in a variety of ways. The leaves can be dried, and then ground into tea. After the tea is prepared, you can store them in a container to make further stews or soups. In Japan it is marketed through the health food store as a health tea. Young seed pods in the same manner as okra.



Since the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been praised as having health benefits. It is a tea that can boost the immune system. Tea made of leaves can aid during the birth of a child and boost the production of milk for mothers. It is also used as to treat sore eyes, rashes, cuts and scratch marks.



Due to their long, sturdy stalks, many Corchorus genus members are able to be used to create Jute. Over the centuries this jute was utilized to make a coarse woven yarn which was then transformed into rope and a coarse fabric for sacking. It was best to use the most tall and unbranched stems. The stems were then soaked in vegetable matter for several days in order to allow the fibres to begin to decay. After that, the fibres were easily removed, and later washed and dried. In some areas it is also possible for this fiber to be used for paper. Corchorus Olitorius, which is also known as Egyptian spinach, إنتاج تقاوى البرسيم الحجازي [just click the next document] is the best used to make Jute. However, some of its relatives are also suitable for other functions.