Another Excellent Summer Spinach Egyptian Spinach
Corchorus Olitorius, Egyptian Spinach is a very popular seasonal vegetable in our region. Molokhia/Molokheiya, and many other names. It is believed to have been discovered in Egypt prior to Christ and has been a staple food since time of the Pharaohs. Molokheiya, which is an Egyptian term which translates to "vegetable for king", is the Egyptian name of the soup. Wikipedia says that an ill Egyptian King around 6000BC demanded hot soup. He was then healed after consuming hot soup daily. Cleopatra is also said to have taken the same soup. Egyptian Spinach along with its numerous close relatives can be found all over Africa, India, and numerous other regions of Asia. It is a common plant in subtropical and tropical zones throughout the world.
It is planted as an annual. It will grow to around a meter in height It produces tiny yellow flowers, and شركات بيع التقاوى فى مصر produces edible seed pods, and edible leaves that can be continually harvested. It is extremely hardy and fast growing. It is a cousin of okra , and it can thrive in the same conditions as okra. It doesn't like shade.
huge Egyptian spinach plant that is growing up lattices in green house
Are you thinking of growing one? It can thrive in any soil type and is not concerned about pH. However, it prefers soil that is fertile and damp. Pots are also possible. Prepare your soil the normal manner and then place the seed directly where they will grow the most optimal time for planting is between the months of spring and autumn. Egyptian spinach seeds develop faster if bathed in soapy hot water prior شركات بيع التقاوى فى مصر to planting. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for as long as 12 hours. When the plant is about 40cm tall, it is time to begin picking leaves. The seeds that grow on the plant, only to drop to the ground, will remain dormant until next year. Egyptian spinach is virtually non-infectious and free of pests. The leaves are able to be shared by grasshoppers and caterpillars, however they are not likely to become affected with the red spider mites. Seeds are available now from BOGI seeds.
The leaves are very high in protein, minerals and vitamins. The younger leaves can be eaten raw in salads, in sandwiches, and older leaves can be cooked or dried. Take leaves like spinach. The leaves are used in Egypt as a traditional soup made with coriander, garlic as well as meat. In other areas it is made into a stew with cassava, rice, and chicken meat. There are numerous recipes for this vegetable. Leaves can be dried and then powdered, and then used as tea. The tea can then be stored for future use in soups and stews for added flavour and as a thickener . It is available in Japan through health food stores as a healthy and nutritious tea. Young seed pods can be utilized in the same manner as the okra.
The health benefits of Egyptian spinach have been promoted since the time of the Pharaohs. It is a tea that will increase your immune system. Tea made from leaves may aid in birth and boost mothers' milk production. It can also be used to treat sore eyes as well as cuts, rashes and scratch marks.
Many species of the Corchorus genus can be grown as a source of jute as they have long, strong fibres within their stalks. Through the ages, this jute was utilized to create a coarse yarn which was then made into rope and a coarse sacking fabric. This was most effective with the highest and longest stems. The stems were immersed in vegetable matter for a few days to allow the fibres to turn brown. After that, the fibres were easily removed, then washed and dried. In some regions, this fibre can also be used to create paper. Corchorus olitorius or Egyptian spinach is best used as a leaf vegetable while the other related species are more suitable for the production of jute.