Another Wonderful Summer Spinach Egyptian Spinach

Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is growing in popularity as a garden vegetable in the United States and around the world. You can call it Molokhia/Molokheiya or many other names. It is believed to have originated in Egypt in the early days of Christ and has been the staple food of Egypt since the time of 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 when he was unwell and after taking the hot soup every day his illness was cured. Cleopatra could have also savored the similar soup. Egyptian Spinach and its numerous close relationships are found throughout Africa, the Middle East, India and many parts of Asia. It is found in all tropical and subtropical regions around the globe.



It is grown as an annual. It can grow to around a meter in height It produces tiny yellow flowers, and produces edible seed pods as well as edible leaves that are easily harvested. It is very hardy and can grow quickly. As a close relation to Okra, many of the conditions for growth are present. It loves the heat, can handle dry and moist conditions (not wet) however it doesn't appreciate the shade.


Large Egyptian spinach plant growing in the green house lattice


Are you looking to plant some? It can thrive in any type of soil and doesn't mind pH. It prefers soil that is fertile and moist. It's even able to grow in pots. Make sure you prepare your soil in the normal manner and then place the seed directly where they will grow, the best planting time is between the seasons of spring and fall. Egyptian spinach seeds sprout better if placed in hot water prior to planting for at least couple of minutes. Isabel Shipard recommends soaking for at least 12 hours. When the plant is approximately 40cm tall, you can begin to pick leaves. The seeds that mature on the plant and drop to the ground will lie dormant within the soil until the conditions are suitable and can be used for next year's crop. Egyptian spinach is generally healthy and free of pests and diseases. The grasshoppers and caterpillars have a symbiosis with the leaves and in the heat of summer, they may be affected by red spider mites, but overall not too problematical. Seeds are available at present from BOGI seeds.



The leaf is a rich source of minerals, vitamins, and بذور برسيم حجازي للبيع protein. The younger leaves can be used in sandwiches or salads while the older leaves can be cooked or dried. Leaves can be used in like spinach. In Egypt the leaves are served in a soup made of garlic, coriander and meat, in other parts of the world it is made into a stew made with rice, cassava and chicken meat. This vegetable can be utilized in many different ways. Leaves can be dried and then powdered and made into tea. It can be kept for later use in stews and soups for extra flavour and as a thickener . It is offered in Japan through health food shops as a healthy and nutritious tea. Young seed pods can be utilized in the same manner as the okra.



Since the time of the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been praised as having health benefits. It is a drink that can increase the immune system. Tea made from the leaves can aid during the birth of a child and boost the production of milk by mothers. It is also used as a wash for sore eyes as well as cuts, rashes and scrapes.



Many of the species in the genus Corchorus are used as a source of Jute due to their long, strong fibres within their stalks. This jute was used over the years to make coarse yarn. This was then used as rope as well as as a sacking fabric. The tallest, most unbranched, stems were best for بذور برسيم حجازي للبيع this. The stems were then soaked in vegetable matter for a few days in order to allow the fibres to begin to decay. After that, the fibres were easily removed, and later washed and dried. In some regions where this fibre is found, it can be used to create paper. Corchorus Olitorius is also known as Egyptian spinach, is the best used to make jute. However it is also possible that some of its cousins are also used for different uses.