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 first discovered in Egypt prior to Christ, and has been an important staple food since the period of the Pharaohs. Molokheiya which is an Egyptian word that translates to "vegetable for king" is the Egyptian term used to describe the soup. Wikipedia claims that a sick Egyptian King around 6000BC demanded hot soup, and was healed by drinking hot soup every day. Cleopatra might also have enjoyed the similar soup. Egyptian Spinach as well as its many close relationships are found throughout Africa and بذور جرجير the Middle East, India and بذور جرجير numerous parts of Asia. It will thrive in all subtropical and tropical areas throughout the world.



It is grown in the form of an annual. It grows up to a metre in height, has small yellow flowers and produces edible seeds that are shaped like pods. The edible leaves can be harvested throughout the year. It is extremely hardy and fast growing. It is a relative of okra and can grow in the same conditions like okra. It doesn't like shade.


Large Egyptian spinach plant growing in the green house lattice


Do you have a desire to grow some? It is able to grow in all soil types and doesn't care about pH. However, it naturally prefers a fertile moist soil. It is also able to thrive in pots. The preparation of the soil is normal. Then, plant the seeds directly where they will grow. Autumn and spring are the best times to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds can sprout faster if they are placed in warm, soapy water before plant. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for as long as 12 hours. Start picking leaves when the plant is 40 cm tall. Seeds that mature on the plant and fall to the ground will lay dormant in the soil until the conditions are suitable and can be used for next year's crop. Egyptian spinach is fairly disease and pest free. The grasshoppers and caterpillars be sharing the leaves and during summer, they can be affected by red spider mites, but generally not an issue. Seeds are available now from BOGI seeds.



The leaf is a rich source of minerals, vitamins, and protein. Younger leaves can be eaten raw in salads, on sandwiches and the older leaves cooked or dried. 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 can be cooked into a stew using cassava, rice and chicken meat. There are many recipes for this plant. The leaves can be dried before being powdered and made into tea. The tea can then be to be used in future stews and soups, for additional flavor as well as to thicken dishes . It is available in Japan through health food shops as a nutritious and healthy tea. Young seed pods can be utilized the same way as Okra.



Since the time of the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been praised as having health benefits. It is a tea that will improve the immune system. Tea made from leaves can aid in childbirth and increase mothers' milk production. It can also be used as for washing eyes, rashes, cuts and scratch marks.



Due to the length of their stalks, which are strong and long, many Corchorus genus members can be grown to make Jute. Jute was used throughout time to create coarse yarn, which was then used to make a rope and as a material for sacking. It was best made using the largest and least branched stems. Stems were then soaked for some time so that the vegetable matter could begin to turn brown and the fibers could be easily removed, then washed, dried and sorted before being used. This fiber is also utilized to create paper in certain regions. Corchorus olitorius or Egyptian spinach is most commonly used as a leaf vegetable , whereas some of its other relatives are more suitable for jute production.