Another Fantastic Summer Spinach Egyptian Spinach
Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is becoming very popular as a summer crop in our part of the world. It is known under a variety of names: Molokhia/Molokheiya (and several other ways to spell it) and salad mallow. Jute mallow, Jew's Mallow and West African sorrel to name but several. It is believed that it originated in Egypt prior to the time of Christ and حبوب البرسيم has been a common food in Egypt since the time of the Pharaohs. It is believed that the Egyptian name molokheiya refers to "vegetables suitable for the King' according to Wikipedia a sick Egyptian King around 6000BC , asked for hot soup while sick. After drinking the hot soup every day his condition was healed. Cleopatra could have also savored the same soup. Egyptian Spinach as well as its numerous close relatives is found throughout Africa, India, and numerous other regions of Asia. It is found throughout the subtropical and tropical regions of the globe.
It is grown as an annual. It grows up to 1 metre tall, it bears tiny yellow flowers and produces edible seeds in pods. The edible leaves can also be harvested continuously. It is extremely hardy and quick growing. Similar to Okra, many of its cultivars, it enjoys the heat and is able to handle dry and moist conditions (not waterlogged) but doesn't like the shade.
Large Egyptian spinach plant that is growing in the green house lattice
Are you considering growing one? It will grow in all soil types and does not care about pH, however of course prefers a fertile moist soil. It is also able to thrive in pots. Prepare your soil in your normal manner and then place the seed directly in the area where they'll grow the most optimal time for planting is between spring and autumn. Egyptian spinach seeds grow better when they are bathed in hot water prior planting for at least few minutes. Isabel Shipard recommends soaking for up to 12 hours. When the plant is approximately 40cm tall, you can begin to harvest leaves. The seeds which mature on the plant, then fall to the ground, will be dormant until the next year. Egyptian spinach is virtually pest and disease-free. The grasshoppers and caterpillars take advantage of the leaves and in the heat of summer, they can be affected by red spider mites however overall , it's not that problematic. BOGI Seeds currently has seeds available.
The leaf is rich in nutrients, minerals and protein. The younger leaves are great for sandwiches or salads, while the older leaves can be cooked or dried. Leaves can be used in the same way as spinach. The leaves are utilized in Egypt in a soup that is traditional, with garlic, coriander, and meat. In other areas, it can be made into a stew using cassava, rice and chicken meat. There are many recipes for this plant. The leaves can be dried and then ground to make a tea. Once the tea is ready you can put them in a container and use them to make future soups or stews. In Japan it is sold in the health food store as a nutritious tea. Young seed pods are used in the same way as okra.
The health benefits of Egyptian spinach have been promoted from the time of the Pharaohs. In the form of tea, it can enhance your immune system. It can also be helpful for treating constipation, cancer, anaemia and cystitis, diabetes fatigue excessive blood pressure high cholesterol, menopausal symptoms weight gain, respiratory ailments as well as water retention. Tea made from leaves is believed to aid during childbirth and boost the production of milk by mothers. It can also be used to wash eyes that are irritated as well as cuts, rashes and scratch marks.
Many of the species in the Corchorus genus are grown to produce Jute due to their large, strong fibres that are found in their stalks. Over time, the jute fibers were used to make a coarse yarn that was later made into ropes and a fine sacking fabric. The tallest, most unbranched, stems are the most suitable to use for this. The stems were soaked in vegetable matter for several days, allowing the fibres to begin to decay. The fibres were easily removed, then cleaned and dried. In certain regions the fibre could be used to make paper. Corchorus Olitorius, also referred to as Egyptian spinach, is the best utilized to create Jute. However it is also possible that some of its cousins are also suitable for other functions.