Another Wonderful Summer Spinach Egyptian Spinach

Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is becoming very popular as a summer crop in our part of the world. It is also known as Molokhia/Molokheiya, and many other names. It is believed that it has been first discovered in Egypt prior to Christ and has been a staple food since time of the Pharaohs. It is believed that the Egyptian name molokheiya means 'vegetable for the king', according to Wikipedia a sick Egyptian King, in the year 6000BC , asked for hot soup because he was unwell and after taking the hot soup daily, the illness was treated. Cleopatra is also said to have taken the same soup. Egyptian Spinach as well as its numerous close connections are prevalent throughout Africa and the Middle East, India and numerous regions of Asia. It will thrive in all tropical and sub tropical regions all over the world.



It is cultivated as an annual. It grows up to a maximum of a metre it produces tiny yellow flowers and produces edible seed pods, and edible leaves that can be continuously harvested. It is very robust and is fast growing. It is a very close relative to Okra, many of its conditions for growth are present. It loves the heat, and أفضل انواع بذور البرسيم can withstand both dry and wet conditions (not in a waterlogged) however it doesn't appreciate the shade.


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


Are you interested in establishing one? It can grow in any soil type and doesn't care about pH. However, it prefers fertile soil that is damp. Pots are also possible. Preparing the soil is as normal. Then, you can plant the seeds right to where they will flourish. The months of spring and autumn are the ideal times to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds will germinate better if they are soaked in hot water before planting for at least couple of minutes. Isabel Shipard recommends soaking for up to 12 hours. The time to pick leaves is when the plant has reached 40cm high. The seeds that mature on the plant, only to go to the ground and will remain dormant until next year. Egyptian spinach is fairly non-infested and pest-free. The grasshoppers and caterpillars be sharing the leaves and during summer, they can be affected by red spider mites however overall not too problematical. BOGI Seeds currently offers seeds.



The leaf is rich in minerals, vitamins, and protein. Younger leaves can be eaten raw in salads, in sandwiches, and older leaves can be cooked or dried. Leaves can be used in like spinach. The leaves can be utilized in Egypt in a soup that is traditional made with coriander, garlic and meat. In other regions it can be cooked into a stew with cassava, rice and chicken meat. There are numerous recipes for this vegetable. Leaves can be dried and then powdered and made into tea. They can also be kept for later use in soups and stews for added flavor and also as a thickener . In Japan it is promoted through health food stores as a health tea. Young seed pods can be utilized the same way as okra.



The advantages of Egyptian spinach have been marketed since the time of the Pharaohs. As a tea it will boost your immune system and is believed to help treat anaemia, cancer, constipation the cystitis, diabetes fatigue and high blood pressure high cholesterol, menopausal symptoms overweight, respiratory disorders as well as water retention. Tea made from the leaves can assist in the birth process and improve mothers' milk production. It is also used as for washing eyes as well as cuts, rashes and scratch marks.



Many species of the genus Corchorus are used as a source of jute as they have thick, sturdy fibres in their stalks. This jute was used over many centuries to make coarse yarn, which could later be used as rope or as a material for sacking. The stems that were the tallest and unbranched were the best choice to use for this. Stems were then soaked for many days, so that the vegetable matter would develop a rotting process and the fibres are easily removed then washed, dried, and أفضل انواع بذور البرسيم sorted for use. In some areas where this fibre is found, it can be used to create paper. Corchorus olitorius or Egyptian spinach is best used as a leafy vegetable. However, others of its relatives are best suited for the production of jute.