Another Fantastic Summer Spinach Egyptian Spinach
Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is getting increasingly popular as a summer vegetable in the United States and around the world. It's been known as Molokhia/Molokheiya (and many other methods to spell it) as well as salad mallow, Jew's mallow mallow and West African sorrel to name only some. It is believed to have been a staple food in Egypt well before the time of Christ and was a common food in Egypt since the time of Pharaohs. It is believed that the Egyptian name molokheiya refers to a vegetable for the king', according to Wikipedia a sick Egyptian king, around 6000BC , asked for hot soup while unwell . After taking hot soup each day, his illness was cured. Cleopatra is also believed to have eaten the same soup. Egyptian Spinach along with its numerous close relatives, grows throughout Africa, India, and various other parts of Asia. It is located throughout the subtropical and tropical regions around the globe.
It is an annual. It will grow up to a maximum of a metre It produces tiny yellow flowers, has edible seed pods as well as edible leaves that are easily harvested. It is very hardy and quick growing. It is a cousin of okra and can grow in the same conditions like Okra. But, 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 is able to grow in all soil types and isn't particular about pH, بذور حشيشة السودان but obviously prefers fertile moist soil. Pots are also an option. Make your soil ready in your regular manner and then plant seeds directly where they will grow, the best planting time is between the seasons of spring and fall. Egyptian spinach seeds will sprout better if immersed in hot water prior to planting for a minimum of few minutes, Isabel Shipard recommends soaking for up to 12 hours. When the plant is about 40cm in height, you can begin to harvest leaves. The seeds that mature on the plant and fall to ground will be dormant in the soil until the weather is perfect and will be the the next crop. Egyptian spinach is almost non-infectious and free of pests. The leaves are able to be shared by grasshoppers and caterpillars, but are not likely to become affected with red spider mites. Seeds are available now from BOGI seeds.
The leaf is rich in minerals, vitamins, بذور حشيشة السودان and protein. The younger leaves can be eaten raw in salads, in sandwiches, and older leaves can be dried or cooked. It is possible to use leaves in like spinach. The leaves are utilized in Egypt in a soup that is traditional that includes garlic, coriander as well as meat. In other areas, it can be made into a stew that includes cassava, rice and chicken meat. There are many recipes for this plant. Leaves can be dried , then powdered and used as tea. They can also be preserved for use in stews and soups to add flavour and as a thickener . In Japan it is promoted through the health food store as a healthy tea. Young seed pods are used the same way as okra.
Since the time of the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been widely praised as having health benefits. It is a tea which can boost the immune system. Tea made of leaves can aid in the birth process and improve mothers' milk production. Also, it can be used as to treat sore eyes or rashes, cuts, and scratches.
A variety of species belonging to the Corchorus genus are grown to produce Jute because they possess long, strong fibres in their stalks. Jute was utilized over the centuries to make coarse yarn. It was then used to make rope or as a packing fabric. This was most effective with the largest and least branched stems. The stems were then soaked in vegetable matter for a few days to allow the fibers to begin to decay. After that, the fibres were easily removed and cleaned and dried. The fibre is also used for paper production in some regions. Corchorus Olitorius is also known as Egyptian spinach, is the best used to make jute. However many of its cousins are also suitable for other uses.