Another Great Spinach For Our Summers This Is An Egyptian Spinach Egyptian Spinach

Corchorus Olitorius Egyptian Spinach is a very popular seasonal vegetable in our region. It is known under a variety of names: Molokhia/Molokheiya (and several other ways to spell it), salad mallow, Jew's mallow, jute mallow and West African sorrel to name just few. It is believed to have been first discovered in Egypt before Christ, and has been an important staple food since the time of the Pharaohs. Molokheiya, 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 by drinking hot soup regularly. Cleopatra is also said to have drank the same soup. Egyptian Spinach together with its close relatives can be found in Africa, India, and many other parts of Asia. It is located in all tropical and subtropical areas of the world.



It is grown as an annual. It will grow up to an metre high, has small yellow flowers and produces edible seeds in pods. The edible leaves may also be harvested continuously. It is very robust and quick growing. It is a relative of okra and can grow in the same conditions like okra. But, أفضل انواع بذور البرسيم it doesn't need shade.


large Egyptian spinach plant growing on lattices in green home


Are you interested in establishing one? It grows in any soil type and doesn't care about pH. However, it always prefers a rich moist soil. Pots are also an option. Preparing the soil is as normal. Then, you can plant the seeds directly where they will grow. The months of spring and autumn are the best seasons to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds will develop faster if placed in warm, soapy water prior to plant. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for up to 12 hours. When the plant is approximately 40cm tall, it is time to begin picking leaves. Seeds which mature on the plant and fall to ground will lay dormant in the soil until conditions are right and become next year's crop. Egyptian spinach is generally non-infested and pest-free. The leaves are able to be used in conjunction with grasshoppers and caterpillars, but they aren't likely to get infected with red spider mites. Seeds are currently available from BOGI seeds.



The leaf is a rich source of nutrients, minerals and protein. The younger leaves can be eaten raw in salads, in sandwiches, and older leaves can be cooked or dried. You can use leaves in the same way as spinach. In Egypt the leaves are utilized in a traditional soup with coriander, garlic and meat. In other places it is cooked into a stew using rice, cassava, and even chicken meat. There are many recipes available for this plant. Leaves can be dried then powdered to make tea. It can be preserved for use in soups and stews for added flavor and to thicken the dish . In Japan it is marketed through health food stores as a healthy tea. Young seed pods are utilized in the same manner as Okra.



The benefits of Egyptian spinach have been promoted from the time of the Pharaohs. In the form of tea, it can enhance your immune system. It can also be helpful for treating constipation, anaemia, cancer and cystitis, diabetes fatigue, high blood pressure, menopausal symptoms, high cholesterol weight gain, respiratory ailments as well as water retention. Tea made of leaves may aid in the birth process and improve mothers' milk production. It is also used as to wash eyes that are irritated or rashes, cuts, أفضل انواع بذور البرسيم and scratch marks.



Many species of the genus Corchorus are used to produce Jute due to their large, strong fibres that are found in their stalks. Jute was utilized over the years to make coarse yarn. This could later be used as rope, and also as bagging fabric. The stems that were the tallest and unbranched were the best choice for this. Stems would be soaked for several days in order that the plant matter could develop a rotting process and the fibres are easily removed, then washed, dried and sorted for use. In some regions it is also possible for this fiber to be used to create paper. Corchorus Olitorius, also known as Egyptian spinach is best utilized as a vegetable for leaf production, while others of its relatives are best suited for jute production.