Another Great Summer Spinach - Egyptian Spinach

Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is getting very well-known as a vegetable for summer in our part of the world. You can call it Molokhia/Molokheiya as well as many other names. It is believed that it has been discovered in Egypt prior to Christ, and has been an essential food item since the days of the Pharaohs. Molokheiya is an Egyptian term which translates to "vegetable for kings" is the Egyptian term used to describe the soup. Wikipedia claims that a sick Egyptian King in the year 6000 BC requested hot soup. He was then healed by drinking hot soup every day. Cleopatra is also believed to have taken the same soup. Egyptian Spinach and its numerous close connections grow across Africa in the Middle East, India and various parts of Asia. It grows in the majority of tropical and sub tropical regions across the globe.



It is grown as an annual. It grows up to one meter in height. It it bears tiny yellow flowers and produces edible seeds in pods. The edible leaves can be harvested on a regular basis. It is very hardy and is able to grow rapidly. It is a cousin to okra and grows in the same conditions as Okra. It does not like shade.


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


Are you interested in establishing one? It is able to grow in all soil types and doesn't care about pH, however naturally prefers a fertile moist soil. It is also able to thrive in pots. Prepare your soil the usual manner, then plant the seeds directly in the area where they'll grow the most optimal time for planting is between the seasons of spring and fall. Egyptian spinach seeds will germinate faster if they are placed in warm, soapy water before planting. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for as long as 12 hours. The time to pick leaves is when the plant is around 40cm high. Seeds that mature on the plant and fall to ground will lay dormant in the soil until the conditions are suitable and can be used for the next crop. Egyptian spinach is nearly non-infectious and free of pests. The leaves are able to be shared by grasshoppers and caterpillars, but they aren't likely to get affected by red spider mites. The seeds are currently available through BOGI seeds.



The leaf is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and شركات بيع التقاوى فى مصر protein. The younger leaves are great in salads or sandwiches, while the older leaves can either be dried or cooked. Take leaves like spinach. The leaves can be utilized in Egypt in a soup that is traditional made with coriander, garlic and even meat. In other regions it is made into a stew using cassava, rice, and chicken meat. This vegetable can be utilized in many ways. The leaves can be dried and later ground into a tea. When the tea is ready it can be stored in a container for future soups or stews. It is available in Japan through health food stores as a healthy and nutritious tea. Young seed pods can be used in the same way as Okra.



Since the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been touted as having health benefits. In the form of tea, it can increase your immunity and it is also believed to help treat constipation, cancer, anaemia, cystitis, diabetes, شركات بيع التقاوى فى مصر fatigue, high blood pressure, menopausal symptoms, high cholesterol and respiratory issues, as well as obesity as well as water retention. Tea made of leaves can assist in childbirth and increase mothers' milk production. You can use it to treat eye irritation cut, rashes and other irritations.



Many species of the Corchorus genus are used as a source of Jute since they have long, strong fibres within their stalks. Over the centuries this jute was utilized to make a coarse woven yarn that was later made into rope and a coarse fabric for sacking. The stems that were the tallest and unbranched were the best choice for this. The stems were then soaked in vegetable matter for a few days in order to allow the fibres to turn brown. The fibres were easily removed, and later cleaned and dried. In some areas, this fibre can also be used to create paper. Corchorus Olitorius, also known as Egyptian spinach is best used as a vegetable for leaf production, while others of its relatives are better used to make jute.