Corchorus Olitorius, Egyptian Spinach is a well-loved summer crop in our region. Molokhia/Molokheiya, and many other names. It is believed that it has been first discovered in Egypt before Christ and was an essential food item since the times of the Pharaohs. It is believed that the Egyptian name molokheiya means 'vegetable for the king' according to Wikipedia, an Egyptian King in the year 6000 BC, requested hot soup when he was sick and after drinking the hot soup daily, his condition was healed. Cleopatra is also believed to have eaten the same soup. Egyptian Spinach as well as its many close relationships are found throughout Africa, the Middle East, India and many regions of Asia. It can be located throughout the subtropical and tropical regions of the globe.
It is cultivated as an annual. It grows up to a metre in height, it bears tiny yellow flowers and produces edible seed pods. The edible leaves can also be harvested throughout the year. It is extremely tough and can grow quickly. It is a relative of okra , and it can thrive in the same conditions like Okra. But, it doesn't like shade.
huge Egyptian spinach plant growing on lattices in green home
Do you wish to grow some? It can thrive in any soil type and does not care about pH. However, it prefers fertile soil that is well-drained. Pots are also possible. The preparation of the soil is normal. Then, plant the seeds right where they will grow. The months of spring and autumn are the best time to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds germinate faster if they are placed in warm, soapy water prior to plant. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for up to 12 hours. When the plant grows to around 40cm in height, you can begin to pick leaves. Seeds that mature on plant and fall to soil will remain dormant in the soil until the weather is suitable and can be used for the next crop. Egyptian spinach is nearly completely disease and pest-free. Caterpillars and grazers share the leaves with you and during the hot summer they can be affected by red spider mites. However, overall , it's not that problematic. The seeds are currently available through BOGI seeds.
The leaves are extremely rich in nutrients,
protein and minerals. The younger leaves can be eaten raw in salads, on sandwiches and the older leaves dried or cooked. It is possible to use leaves in the same way as spinach. In Egypt the leaves are used in traditional soups made with coriander, garlic and meat, in other areas it is made into a stew using cassava, rice and chicken meat. There are many recipes for this vegetable. Leaves can be dried , then powdered and used as tea. The tea can then be to be used in future soups and stews for added flavour and as a thickener . In Japan it is sold in the health food store as a health tea. Young seed pods can be used the same way as Okra.
Since the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been touted for its health benefits. It is a tea that can boost your immune system and is believed to help treat constipation, anaemia, cancer, cystitis, diabetes, fatigue, high blood pressure, menopausal symptoms, high cholesterol, obesity, respiratory problems as well as water retention. Tea made from the leaves can assist in childbirth and increase mothers' milk production. You can use it to treat sore eyes, rashes and cuts.
Due to their long, strong stalks The Corchorus genus has many members that can be grown for jute. Through the ages, the jute was used to make a coarse woven yarn which was then transformed into ropes and a fine fabric for sacking. The stems that were the tallest and unbranched were the best choice for this. The stems were then soaked in vegetable matter for a few days to allow the fibres to begin to decay. After that, the fibres were easily removed and شكل بذور الملوخية (
Going Listed here) cleaned and dried. The fibre can also be utilized to create paper in certain areas. Corchorus olitorius or Egyptian spinach is best used as a leaf vegetable , whereas the other related species are best suited for jute production.