Another Wonderful Summer Spinach Egyptian Spinach

Egyptian Spinach, شركات البذور الزراعية في مصر Corchorus olitorius, is growing in popularity as a vegetable for summer in our part of the world. You can call it Molokhia/Molokheiya, and many other names. It is believed that it originated in Egypt prior to the time of Christ and was a common food in Egypt since the days 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 6000BC asked for hot soup because he was unwell and after taking the hot soup every day the illness was treated. Cleopatra is also believed to have eaten the same soup. Egyptian Spinach as well as its many close connections are prevalent throughout Africa as well as the Middle East, India and various regions of Asia. It is found throughout the subtropical and tropical regions around the world.



It is an annual. It will grow to about a metre tall and produces small yellow flowers, and produces edible seed pods and leaves that are easily harvested. It is extremely tough and can grow quickly. It is a relative of okra , and it can thrive in the same conditions as okra. But, it doesn't prefer shade.


Large Egyptian spinach plant that is growing in green house lattice


Are you interested in establishing one? It can be grown in any type of soil and does not care about pH. It prefers soil with a fertile pH that is well-drained. It's even able to grow in pots. Make sure you prepare your soil in the normal way then plant seed directly where they will grow The ideal time for planting is between spring and autumn. Egyptian spinach seeds will germinate better if they are placed in hot water prior to planting for at least a few minutes. Isabel Shipard recommends soaking for up to 12 hours. Start picking leaves when the plant is about 40 centimeters high. The seeds that grow on the plant, only to go to the ground and will rest in dormancy until next year. Egyptian spinach is largely pest and disease free. The grasshoppers and caterpillars be sharing the leaves and during summer they could be affected by red spider mites however generally, they are not a problem. BOGI Seeds offers seeds currently.



The leaf is rich in minerals, vitamins, and protein. The younger leaves can be used in salads or sandwiches, and the older leaves can be cooked or dried. Leaves can be used in similar to spinach. The leaves can be used in Egypt in a soup that is traditional, with garlic, coriander and meat. In other areas the leaves can be made into a stew made with rice, شركات البذور الزراعية في مصر cassava, and chicken meat. There are numerous recipes 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 the next stews or soups. It is available in Japan through health food shops as a nutritious and healthy tea. Young seed pods can be used in the same way as Okra.



The advantages of Egyptian spinach have been marketed since the time of the Pharaohs. As a tea it will improve your immune system and it is also believed to be beneficial in treating constipation, cancer, anaemia as well as diabetes, cystitis fatigue as well as high blood pressure, menopausal symptoms, high cholesterol and respiratory issues, as well as obesity and water retention. Tea made from leaves is said to aid during childbirth and boost milk production for mothers. It is also used as to treat sore eyes or rashes, cuts, and abrasions.



Due to their long, sturdy stalks The Corchorus genus has many members that can be grown to make Jute. The jute fibers were used over time to create coarse yarn. It was then used as rope, and also as packing fabric. The tallest, unbranched stems were the best choice to use for this. Stems would be soaked for several days in order that the vegetable matter could begin to develop a rotting process and the fibres are easily removed. Then they were washed dried, and then sorted to use. In certain regions it is also possible for this fiber to be used to create paper. Corchorus Olitorius, also referred to as Egyptian spinach, is best utilized to create Jute. However many of its cousins are also used for different purposes.