Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is becoming very popular as a vegetable for summer in our part of the world. It is known under a variety of names: Molokhia/Molokheiya (and many other methods of spelling it) as well as salad mallow, Jew's mallow mallow and West African sorrel to name just a few. It is believed to have been discovered in Egypt before Christ and was a staple food since the time of the Pharaohs. The Egyptian name molokheiya is a reference to'vegetables for
شركات البذور الزراعية فى مصر the king' according to Wikipedia, a sick Egyptian King around 6000BC asked for hot soup after being unwell and after taking the hot soup on a daily basis, his ailments were cured. Cleopatra is also said to have enjoyed the same soup. Egyptian Spinach together with its numerous close cousins is found throughout Africa, India, and numerous other regions of Asia. It will grow in most subtropical and tropical zones all over the world.
It is grown as an annual. It grows up to one meter in height. It bears small yellow flowers, and produces edible seeds that are shaped like pods. The edible leaves can also be harvested throughout the year. It is very hardy and rapidly growing. Being a relative of Okra, many of the conditions for growth are present. It loves the heat, is tolerant of dry and humid conditions (not the waterlogged) however, it isn't a fan of the shade.
Large Egyptian spinach plant that is growing in green house lattice
Are you interested in growing one? It can thrive in any type of soil and doesn't mind pH. It prefers fertile soil that is moist. Pots are also a possibility. Prepare your soil in your normal way then plant seed right where they will develop The ideal time for planting is between the months of spring and autumn. Egyptian spinach seeds will germinate better if they are soaked in hot water before planting for at least few minutes, Isabel Shipard recommends soaking for at least 12 hours. When the plant is approximately 40cm tall, you can begin picking leaves. Seeds that mature on plant and fall to the ground will lie dormant within the soil until the weather is suitable and can be used for the next crop. Egyptian spinach is virtually free of disease and pests. The leaves are able to be used in conjunction with grasshoppers and caterpillars, but are not likely to become affected with the red spider mites. The seeds are currently available through BOGI seeds.
The leaf is a rich source of minerals, vitamins, and protein. Younger leaves can be
consumed raw in salads or sandwiches, and older leaves can be cooked or dried. You can use leaves similar to spinach. In Egypt the leaves are served in traditional soups made with coriander, garlic and meat, in other places it is cooked into a stew using rice, cassava and chicken meat. This vegetable is used in many different ways. The leaves can be dried and then ground to make a tea. When the tea has been prepared, you can put them in a container to make future soups or stews. It is sold in Japan through health food shops as a nutritious and healthy tea. Young seed pods can be utilized in the same manner as the okra.
The health advantages of Egyptian spinach have been marketed from the time of the Pharaohs. It is a tea which can boost your immunity. Tea made from the leaves can help during the birth process and improve mothers' milk production. It can also be used to wash eyes that are irritated, rashes, cuts and scrapes.
Many species of the genus Corchorus are used to produce Jute due to their long, strong fibres in their stalks. In the past, the jute was used to create a coarse yarn which was then transformed into ropes and a fine bagging fabric. The stems that were the tallest and unbranched were best for this. The stems were immersed in vegetable matter for a few days to allow the fibers to rot. The fibres were easily removed and then cleaned and dried. The fibre can also be used to make paper in certain regions. Corchorus Olitorius, which is also known as Egyptian spinach, is the best used to make jute. However it is also possible that some of its cousins can be used for other functions.