Another Fantastic Spinach For Our Summers The Egyptian Spinach Egyptian Spinach

Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is getting very well-known as a summer vegetable in our part of the world. You can call it Molokhia/Molokheiya as well as many other names. It is believed that it originated in Egypt well before the time of Christ and was a staple food there since the time of the Pharaohs. The Egyptian name molokheiya means 'vegetable for the King', according to Wikipedia, an Egyptian king, around 6000BC asked for hot soup because he was sick. After drinking the hot soup every day the illness was treated. Cleopatra is also believed to have enjoyed the same soup. Egyptian Spinach as well as its many close connections are prevalent throughout Africa, the Middle East, India and numerous parts of Asia. It will thrive in all tropical and sub tropical regions across the globe.



It is grown in the form of an annual. It grows to approximately one meter in height. It has small yellow flowers and produces edible seed pods. The edible leaves can be harvested throughout the year. It is extremely tough and is able to grow rapidly. It is a very close relative to Okra, many of the characteristics are in place. It is a fan of the heat, can handle dry and wet conditions (not in a waterlogged) but is not a fan of shade.


Large Egyptian spinach plant growing up in the green lattice of the house


Do you wish to grow some? It can be grown in any soil type and is not particular about pH. However, it of course prefers a fertile moist soil. It will even do well in pots. Make your soil ready in your normal way then plant seed right where they will develop The best time to plant is between the seasons of spring and fall. Egyptian spinach seeds will develop faster if immersed in soapy, hot water prior to plant. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for as long as 12 hours. Pick leaves as soon as the plant is about 40 centimeters high. The seeds that develop on the plant, only to fall to the ground, will remain dormant until next year. Egyptian spinach is relatively pest and disease free. The leaves can be shared with grasshoppers as well as caterpillars, but are not likely to become affected by the red spider mites. BOGI Seeds currently offers seeds.



The leaves are extremely rich in vitamin and mineral content. The younger leaves can be consumed raw in salads, شركات بيع بذور الخضروات on sandwiches and the older leaves cooked or dried. Take leaves like spinach. The leaves can be utilized in Egypt as a traditional soup, with garlic, coriander and meat. In other regions the leaves can be made into a stew that includes cassava, rice and chicken meat. This vegetable can be used in many ways. The leaves can be dried and then ground into tea. When the tea has been prepared, you can put them in a container and use them to make the next stews or soups. In Japan it is marketed through health food stores as a nutritious tea. Young seed pods are utilized in the same manner as Okra.



The health benefits of Egyptian spinach have been marketed from the time of the Pharaohs. As a tea it will increase your immunity and it is also believed to help treat anaemia, cancer, constipation, cystitis, diabetes, fatigue excessive blood pressure menopausal symptoms, high cholesterol, obesity, respiratory problems and water retention. Tea made from the leaves may aid in birth and boost mothers' milk production. It is also used as to treat sore eyes cut, rashes, cuts and abrasions.



Many of the species in the genus Corchorus are used to produce Jute since they have long, strong fibres within their stalks. Over time, the jute was used to create a coarse yarn which was then made into rope and then a coarse sacking fabric. The tallest, most unbranched, stems were best for this. Stems were then soaked for some time so that the vegetable matter would develop a rotting process and the fibres are easily removed then washed, dried, and sorted for use. This fibre is also utilized to create paper in some regions. Corchorus Olitorius, also referred to as Egyptian spinach, is best utilized to create jute. However many of its cousins are also suitable for other uses.