Another Great Summer Spinach - Egyptian Spinach
Corchorus Olitorius Egyptian Spinach is an extremely popular seasonal vegetable in our region. It's been known as Molokhia/Molokheiya (and several other ways to spell it) and salad mallow. Jute mallow, Jew's Mallow and West African sorrel to name only few. It is believed that it originated in Egypt in the early days of Christ and has been an essential food staple in the region 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 افضل بذور برسيم (ccm.net) hot soup when he was sick and after drinking the hot soup on a daily basis, his condition was healed. Cleopatra may have also enjoyed the same soup. Egyptian Spinach as well as its many close connections are prevalent throughout Africa as well as the Middle East, India and several regions of Asia. It will grow in most subtropical and tropical zones across the globe.
It can be grown in the form of an annual. It grows up to a metre in height, produces small yellow flowers and produces edible seed pods. The edible leaves can also be harvested continuously. It is extremely durable and grows rapidly. It is a relative of okra and can grow in the same conditions like okra. It does not like shade.
Large Egyptian spinach plant growing up in the green house lattice
Do you want to grow some? It can be grown in all soil types and does not care about pH, but always prefers a rich moist soil. It's even able to grow in pots. Prepare your soil in your normal manner and then place the seed directly in the area where they'll grow The best time to plant is between the seasons of spring and fall. Egyptian spinach seeds grow faster if immersed in soapy, hot water before planting. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for up to 12 hours. Begin picking leaves when the plant is about 40 cm tall. Seeds which mature on the plant and drop to the ground will lie dormant within the soil until weather is right and become next year's crop. Egyptian spinach is relatively disease and pest free. The leaves are able to be used in conjunction with grasshoppers and caterpillars, however they aren't likely to get affected with red spider mites. Seeds are currently available from BOGI seeds.
The leaves are rich in nutrients, protein and minerals. Younger leaves can be consumed raw in salads, on sandwiches, and older leaves can be cooked or dried. Utilize leaves the same way you would spinach. In Egypt the leaves are used in traditional soups made with garlic, coriander and افضل بذور برسيم meat, in other regions it is cooked into a stew made with cassava, rice and chicken meat. There are many recipes available for this vegetable. Leaves can be dried , then powdered and made into tea. The tea can then be preserved for use in stews and soups, for additional flavor and to thicken the dish . It is offered in Japan through health food stores as a healthy and nutritious tea. Young seed pods in the same way as Okra.
Since the time of the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been promoted as having health benefits. As a tea it will increase your immunity and it is also believed to be helpful for treating constipation, cancer, anaemia, cystitis, diabetes, fatigue as well as high blood pressure, menopausal symptoms, high cholesterol, obesity, respiratory problems and water retention. Tea made from leaves can help during birth and boost mothers' milk production. It is also used as to wash eyes that are irritated cut, rashes, cuts and scratches.
Due to their long, sturdy stalks, many Corchorus genus members can be grown to produce Jute. Jute was used throughout time to create coarse yarn, which could later be used as a rope and as a material for sacking. It was best made using the highest and longest stems. Stems were then soaked for many days, so that the matter of the vegetable would begin to decay and the fibres would be easily removed, then washed, dried and sorted before being used. This fibre is also used for paper production in some areas. Corchorus Olitorius, also known as Egyptian spinach is best utilized as a leaf vegetable , whereas the other related species are best suited for jute production.