Another Fantastic Summer Spinach Egyptian Spinach
Corchorus Olitorius Egyptian Spinach is an extremely popular seasonally-grown vegetable in our area. It goes under many names Molokhia/Molokheiya (and various other ways of spelling it) and salad mallow. Jute mallow, Jew's Mallow and بذور مصريه West African sorrel to name just a few. It is believed that it has been discovered in Egypt before Christ, and has been a staple food since the time of the Pharaohs. The Egyptian name molokheiya means 'vegetable for the King' according to Wikipedia, a sick Egyptian King, in the year 6000BC , asked for hot soup after being unwell and after taking hot soup each day, the illness was treated. Cleopatra is also said to have taken the same soup. Egyptian Spinach and its numerous close relations grow throughout Africa and the Middle East, India and numerous regions of Asia. It will thrive in all subtropical and tropical regions all over the world.
It is possible to grow it as an annual. It grows up to an metre high, it bears tiny yellow flowers and produces edible seed pods. The edible leaves can be harvested in a continuous manner. It is very robust and is fast growing. It is a very close relative to Okra, many of the same cultivars, it enjoys the heat, can handle both dry and wet conditions (not waterlogged) but is not a fan of shade.
Large Egyptian spinach plant that is growing in green house lattice
Do you wish to grow some? It is able to grow in any soil type and is not concerned about pH. However, it prefers soil with a fertile pH that is damp. Pots are also an option. Prepare your soil in your normal way then plant seed directly in the area where they'll grow the most optimal time for planting is between the months of spring and autumn. Egyptian spinach seeds will germinate faster if they are placed in warm, soapy water before planting. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for up to 12 hours. When the plant is approximately 40cm high, you are able to begin to pick leaves. The seeds that mature on the plant and fall to ground will be dormant in the soil until the weather is right and become the next crop. Egyptian spinach is nearly pest and disease-free. The leaves can be shared by grasshoppers and caterpillars, but aren't likely to get affected by the red spider mites. The seeds are currently available through BOGI seeds.
The leaf is a rich source of minerals, vitamins and protein. The younger leaves are great in salads or sandwiches, while older leaves may either be cooked or dried. You can use leaves in the same way as spinach. In Egypt the leaves are cooked in traditional soups made with coriander, garlic and meat. In other parts of the world it is made into a stew that includes cassava, rice and chicken meat. This vegetable can be utilized in numerous ways. Leaves can be dried and then powdered to make a tea, to be used in future stews and soups, for additional flavor and also as a thickener . In Japan it is advertised in the health food store as a health tea. Young seed pods are used the same way as Okra.
The health benefits of Egyptian spinach have been marketed since the time of the Pharaohs. It is a tea that will boost your immunity. Tea made from the leaves can aid in birth and boost mothers' milk production. You can use it for treating eye sores as well as rashes, cuts and rashes.
Because of their long, sturdy stalks the Corchorus genus's members can be grown for jute. Over time, the jute fibers were used to create a coarse yarn that was later made into rope and bagging fabric. This was best done with the highest and longest stems. Stems would be soaked over several days so the matter of the vegetable would begin to develop a rotting process and the fibres are easily removed then washed, dried and sorted for use. This fibre is also used for paper production in some regions. Corchorus Olitorius, also known as Egyptian spinach, is the best utilized to create Jute. However certain of its relatives can be used for other purposes.