Another Fantastic Summer Spinach Egyptian Spinach
Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is getting increasingly popular as a garden vegetable in our part of the world. Molokhia/Molokheiya is a common name and many more names. It is believed that it has been first discovered in Egypt prior to Christ, and has been an important staple food 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, in the year 6000 BC, requested hot soup when he was unwell . After taking 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 grow across Africa, the Middle East, India and various regions of Asia. It will grow in most subtropical and tropical zones across the globe.
It is grown as an annual. It can grow to around a meter in height it produces tiny yellow flowers, has edible seed pods and edible leaves that can be continuously harvested. It is extremely hardy and grows rapidly. It is a cousin to okra and grows in many of the same conditions like Okra. However, it doesn't like shade.
Large Egyptian spinach plant growing up in the green lattice of the house
Do you wish to grow some? It will grow in all soil types and doesn't care about pH, but naturally prefers a fertile moist soil. It will even do well in pots. It is easy to prepare the soil as normal. Then, you can plant the seeds in the area where they will develop. Autumn and spring are the best seasons to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds germinate better if they are immersed in hot water prior تقاوى البرسيم to planting for at minimum a few minutes. Isabel Shipard recommends soaking for up to 12 hours. Pick leaves as soon as 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 weather is suitable and can be used for next year's crop. Egyptian spinach is almost completely disease and pest-free. The leaves can be used in conjunction with grasshoppers and caterpillars, but are unlikely to be affected by the red spider mites. BOGI Seeds currently has seeds available.
The leaves are rich in vitamin and mineral content. Younger leaves can be consumed raw in salads, on sandwiches, and older leaves can be dried or cooked. The leaves can be utilized in similar to spinach. The leaves are used in Egypt as a traditional soup, with garlic, coriander and even meat. In other areas the leaves can be made into a stew using cassava, rice, and chicken meat. This vegetable can be used in a variety of ways. Leaves can be dried then powdered to make a tea, preserved for use in stews and soups, for additional flavor and also as a thickener . In Japan it is sold in the health food store as a healthy tea. Young seed pods in the same manner as okra.
Since the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been praised for its health benefits. As a tea , it is said to increase your immunity and it is also believed to aid in treating constipation, تقاوى البرسيم cancer, anaemia the cystitis, diabetes fatigue, high blood pressure, menopausal symptoms, high cholesterol overweight, respiratory disorders as well as water retention. Tea made of leaves is believed to aid during childbirth and boost the production of milk for mothers. It can also be used a wash for sore eyes cut, rashes, cuts and scratch marks.
Because of their long, sturdy stalks The Corchorus genus has many members that can be grown for jute. This jute was used over the years to make coarse yarn. This was then used to make rope or as a packing fabric. The stems that were the tallest and unbranched are the most suitable to use for this. Stems would be soaked over some time so that the vegetable matter could begin to decay and the fibres would be easily removed then washed, dried and sorted for use. In some regions where this fibre is found, it can be used to create paper. Corchorus Olitorius, also known as Egyptian spinach is most effective as a leaf vegetable , whereas the other related species are better used to make jute.