Another Fantastic Spinach For Our Summers -- Egyptian Spinach

Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is getting increasingly popular as a garden vegetable in the United States and around the world. It is also known as Molokhia/Molokheiya, and many other names. It is thought to have been a staple food in Egypt long before the time of Christ and has been the staple food of Egypt since the time of the Pharaohs. It is believed that the Egyptian name molokheiya is a reference to'vegetables for the king' according to Wikipedia, a sick Egyptian King around 6000 BC, asked for hot soup while sick. After drinking the hot soup every day his ailments were cured. Cleopatra is also said to have enjoyed the same soup. Egyptian Spinach as well as its numerous close connections are prevalent throughout Africa, the Middle East, India and various parts of Asia. It is found in all tropical and subtropical regions around the globe.



It is possible to grow it in the form of an annual. It can grow to about one meter in height. It has small yellow flowers and produces edible seeds in pods. The edible leaves can be harvested in a continuous manner. It is very hardy and is fast growing. It is a cousin of okra that can be grown in many of the same conditions like Okra. It does not like shade.


large Egyptian spinach plant growing on the lattice of the green home


Are you interested in establishing one? It can thrive in any type of soil and doesn't care about pH. It prefers fertile soil that is moist. Pots are also possible. The preparation of the soil is normal. After that, plant the seeds right in the area where they will develop. The months of spring and autumn are the best time to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds can sprout faster if they are placed in warm, soapy water prior to plant. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for up to 12 hours. Start picking leaves when the plant has reached 40cm high. The seeds that mature on the plant and fall to the soil will remain dormant in the soil until the conditions are perfect and will be the next year's crop. Egyptian spinach is almost completely disease and pest-free. The leaves can be shared with grasshoppers as well as caterpillars, but aren't likely to get infected by red spider mites. Seeds are currently available from BOGI seeds.



The leaves are high in nutrients, protein and minerals. The younger leaves can be consumed raw in salads, on sandwiches and the older leaves cooked or dried. Utilize leaves the same way you would spinach. In Egypt the leaves are utilized in a soup made of coriander, garlic and meat. In other regions it is cooked into a stew using cassava, rice and chicken meat. This vegetable can be used in many different ways. The leaves can be dried and later ground into a tea. After the tea is ready you can put them in a container for future soups or stews. In Japan it is promoted through the health food store as a health tea. Young seed pods are 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 boost your immunity. Tea made from the leaves is believed to aid in child birth and increase the production of milk by mothers. It is also used to treat sore eyes, rashes and cuts.



Many members of the Corchorus genus are used as a source of Jute since they have long, strong fibres in their stalks. The jute fibers were used over time to create coarse yarn. This could later be used as a rope and as a packing fabric. It was best to use the most tall and شركات بيع بذور الخضروات unbranched stems. Stems would be soaked for several days so the vegetable matter would decay and the fibres would be easily removed, then washed, dried, and sorted for use. The fibre is also used for paper production in some regions. Corchorus Olitorius, also referred to as Egyptian spinach, is the best utilized to create Jute. However, some of its relatives are also suitable for other functions.