Another Excellent Summer Spinach Egyptian Spinach

Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is getting very well-known as a summer crop in our part of the world. Molokhia/Molokheiya is a common name, and many other names. It is believed that it been a staple food in Egypt well before the time of Christ and was an essential food staple in the region from the time of the Pharaohs. The Egyptian name molokheiya refers to a vegetable for the King', according to Wikipedia, a sick Egyptian king, around 6000BC asked for hot soup while sick and after drinking the hot soup daily, his ailments were cured. Cleopatra is also believed to have drank the same soup. Egyptian Spinach as well as its many close relationships are found throughout Africa in the Middle East, India and many regions of Asia. It is located in all tropical and تقاوى البرسيم subtropical regions of the globe.



It is possible to grow it in the form of an annual. It grows to approximately a metre in height, has small yellow flowers and produces edible seeds that are shaped like pods. The edible leaves can be harvested continuously. It is extremely durable and quick growing. Similar to Okra, many of the cultivars, it enjoys the heat and is able to handle both dry and wet conditions (not waterlogged) but doesn't like the shade.


Large Egyptian spinach plant that is growing in green house lattice


Are you looking to plant some? It can be grown in all soil types and doesn't care about pH, but of course prefers a fertile moist soil. Pots are also a possibility. Make your soil ready in your usual manner, then plant the seeds directly where they will grow The ideal time for planting is between the months of spring and autumn. Egyptian spinach seeds will develop faster if bathed in soapy hot water before plant. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for up to 12 hours. When the plant grows to around 40cm tall, you can start picking leaves. The seeds that develop on the plant, only to drop to the ground, will not be able to germinate until the following year. Egyptian spinach is generally healthy and free of pests and diseases. Caterpillars and grasshoppers can take advantage of the leaves and during summer they can be affected by red spider mites. However, generally not an issue. BOGI Seeds currently offers seeds.



The leaf is a rich source of minerals, vitamins and protein. The younger leaves can be used in sandwiches or salads while the older leaves can either be dried or cooked. Use leaves as you would spinach. In Egypt the leaves are cooked in a traditional soup that includes garlic, coriander and تقاوى البرسيم meat, in other parts of the world it is made into a stew that includes rice, cassava and chicken meat. There are many recipes available for this plant. The leaves can be dried, and then ground into tea. When the tea is prepared, you can store them in a container for future soups or stews. In Japan it is advertised in the health food store as a health tea. Young seed pods can be used the same way as Okra.



Since the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been widely praised for its health benefits. It is a tea that can boost the immune system. Tea made from the leaves can help during birth and boost mothers' milk production. It is also used to treat rashes, sore eyes cut, rashes and other irritations.



Many members of the Corchorus genus are grown as a source of Jute due to their long, strong fibres in their stalks. Jute was used throughout many centuries to make coarse yarn. This could later be used as a rope and as a packing fabric. The tallest, most unbranched, stems are the most suitable for this. The stems were submerged in vegetable matter for a few days to allow the fibers to turn brown. After that, the fibres could be easily removed and then cleaned and dried. This fiber is also used for paper production in certain areas. Corchorus Olitorius is also known as Egyptian spinach, is best used to make Jute. However certain of its relatives are also used for different functions.