Another Spinach That Is Great For Our Summers -- Egyptian Spinach

Corchorus Olitorius, Egyptian Spinach is an extremely popular summer crop in our region. Molokhia/Molokheiya is a common name as well as many other names. It is believed that it has been discovered in Egypt before Christ and has been an essential food item since the times of the Pharaohs. Molokheiya which is an Egyptian term meaning "vegetable for kings", is the Egyptian term used to describe the soup. Wikipedia reports that an ill Egyptian King in the year 6000 BC requested hot soup and was cured through the consumption of hot soup on a daily basis. Cleopatra might have also enjoyed the similar soup. Egyptian Spinach and its many close relations grow throughout Africa in the Middle East, India and many regions of Asia. It is a common plant in subtropical and tropical areas across the globe.



It is planted as an annual. It will grow to about a metre tall It produces tiny yellow flowers and produces edible seed pods and edible leaves that are easily harvested. It is very hardy and is able to grow rapidly. It is a very close relative to Okra, many of its growing conditions apply, loves the heat, and can withstand dry and humid conditions (not the waterlogged) but doesn't like the shade.


Large Egyptian spinach plant that is growing in the green house lattice


Do you have a desire to grow some? It can thrive in any soil type and is not concerned about pH. However, it prefers fertile soil that is humid. Pots can also be used. Making the soil ready is normal. Then, plant the seeds into the soil where they will thrive. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds will germinate better if they are placed in hot water prior to planting for at least a few minutes, Isabel Shipard recommends soaking for up to 12 hours. The time to pick leaves is when the plant is about 40 cm high. The seeds that grow on the plant, and then go to the ground and will remain dormant until next year. Egyptian spinach is virtually pest and disease-free. The leaves can be used in conjunction with grasshoppers and caterpillars, however they are unlikely to be affected with red spider mites. BOGI Seeds currently offers seeds.



The leaves are extremely rich in vitamin and mineral content. The younger leaves can be used for sandwiches or salads, while the older leaves can be cooked or dried. You can use leaves similar to spinach. In Egypt the leaves are served in a soup made of garlic, coriander and meat. In other areas it is made into a stew using rice, cassava, and chicken meat. There are a variety of recipes for this plant. Leaves can be dried and then powdered and made into tea. The tea can then be preserved for use in stews and soups to add flavor and also as a thickener . It is offered in Japan through health food shops as a nutritious and healthy tea. You can use young seed pods in 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 that can increase your immunity and it is also believed to be helpful for treating anaemia, cancer, constipation and cystitis, diabetes fatigue excessive blood pressure high cholesterol, menopausal symptoms weight gain, respiratory ailments as well as water retention. Tea made of leaves can assist in pregnancy and help increase mother's milk production. It can be used to treat rashes, sore eyes as well as rashes, cuts and rashes.



A variety of species belonging to the Corchorus genus are used as a source of Jute due to their long, strong fibres within their stalks. This jute was used over many centuries to make coarse yarn. It could later be used as a rope and as a packing fabric. This was most effective with the highest and longest stems. The stems were soaked in vegetable matter for several days to allow the fibers to turn brown. After that, the fibres could be easily removed, and بذور برسيم مصري later washed and dried. In certain regions the fibre could be used to make paper. Corchorus Olitorius, also referred to as Egyptian spinach, is best used to make jute. However, some of its relatives are also used for different functions.