Another Excellent Summer Spinach Egyptian Spinach

Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is growing in popularity as a summer vegetable in the United States and بذرة البرسيم around the world. It is also known as Molokhia/Molokheiya and many more names. It is believed to have been first discovered in Egypt before Christ, and بذرة البرسيم has been a staple food since period of the Pharaohs. The Egyptian name molokheiya refers to "vegetables suitable for the king', according to Wikipedia, an Egyptian King, in the year 6000 BC, asked for hot soup when he was sick and after drinking the hot soup every day his illness was cured. Cleopatra is also said to have enjoyed the same soup. Egyptian Spinach along with its numerous close relatives, grows throughout Africa, India, and many other parts of Asia. It grows in the majority of subtropical and tropical zones all over the world.



It is grown as an annual, grows to about a metre tall It produces tiny yellow flowers, and produces edible seed pods and edible leaves that can be constantly harvested. It is extremely hardy and is fast growing. It is a relative to okra and grows in many of the same conditions like the okra. However, it doesn't like shade.


Large Egyptian spinach plant growing up in the green house lattice


Are you considering growing one? It is able to grow in any soil type and is not particular about pH, but naturally prefers a fertile moist soil. Pots can also be used. Prepare your soil in your regular manner and then plant seeds directly where they will grow The ideal time for planting is between the seasons of spring and fall. Egyptian spinach seeds can sprout faster if they are soaked in hot, soapy water prior to planting. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for as long as 12 hours. When the plant grows to around 40cm tall, you can begin to harvest leaves. The seeds that develop on the plant, and then go to the ground and will be dormant until the next year. Egyptian spinach is nearly completely disease and pest-free. The leaves are able to be shared by grasshoppers and caterpillars, however they aren't likely to get infected with red spider mites. BOGI Seeds currently offers seeds.



The leaves are high in vitamin and mineral content. The younger leaves can be consumed raw in salads, in sandwiches and the older leaves cooked or dried. Take leaves like spinach. The leaves can be used in Egypt as a traditional soup that includes garlic, coriander, and meat. In other areas it can be cooked into a stew that includes rice, cassava, and chicken meat. There are a variety of recipes for this plant. Leaves can be dried and then powdered, and then used as tea. The tea can then be to be used in future soups and stews for added flavor as well as to thicken dishes . It is available in Japan through health food stores as a nutritious and healthy tea. Young seed pods are used the same way as the okra.



Since the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been widely praised for its health benefits. As a tea it will boost your immune system and it is also believed to aid in treating anaemia, cancer, constipation the cystitis, diabetes fatigue as well as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, menopausal symptoms overweight, respiratory disorders and water retention. Tea made from the leaves may aid in the birth process and improve mothers' milk production. Also, it can be used as for washing eyes as well as cuts, rashes and abrasions.



Because of their long, sturdy stalks the Corchorus genus's members can be grown for Jute. Over the centuries the jute was used to make a coarse woven yarn which was then made into rope and then a coarse sacking fabric. This was most effective with the highest and longest stems. Stems would be soaked for some time so that the matter of the vegetable would begin to turn brown and the fibers could be easily removed. Then they were washed dried and sorted for use. This fiber is also utilized to create paper in certain areas. Corchorus Olitorius, which is also known as Egyptian spinach, is best used to make Jute. However many of its cousins are also suitable for other uses.