Corchorus Olitorius, Egyptian Spinach is a very popular summer crop in our region. Molokhia/Molokheiya and many more names. It is believed that it has been first discovered in Egypt prior to Christ, and has been an important staple food since the days of the Pharaohs. It is believed that the Egyptian name molokheiya is a reference to'vegetables for the king', according to Wikipedia, an Egyptian King, in the year 6000 BC, requested hot soup because he was sick and after drinking the hot soup daily, his condition was healed. Cleopatra could have also savored the similar soup. Egyptian Spinach, along with its many close relatives, grows throughout Africa, India, and many other parts of Asia. It can be found in all tropical and subtropical areas of the world.
It is possible to grow it as an annual. It grows up to one meter in height. It it bears tiny yellow flowers and produces edible seed pods. The edible leaves may also be harvested on a regular basis. It is very robust and quick growing. Similar to Okra, many of the same conditions for growth are present. It loves the heat, is tolerant of dry and wet conditions (not wet) however it doesn't appreciate the shade.
large Egyptian spinach plant growing on lattices in green home
Are you thinking of growing one? It can be grown in any type of soil and is not concerned about pH. It prefers soil with a fertile pH that is moist. It can even grow in pots. Making the soil ready is normal. Then, plant the seeds directly into the soil where they will thrive. Spring and autumn are the ideal times to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds can develop faster if bathed in soapy hot water prior to plant. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for up to 12 hours. When the plant is about 40cm tall, you can start picking leaves. The seeds that grow on the plant, then disappear to the earth, will rest in dormancy until next year. Egyptian spinach is almost completely disease and pest-free. Caterpillars and grasshoppers will take advantage of the leaves and in the heat of summer, they can be affected by red spider mites however overall not too problematical. Seeds are currently available from BOGI seeds.
The leaves are high in protein, minerals and vitamins. The younger leaves can be eaten raw in salads, on sandwiches, and older leaves can be dried or cooked. Take leaves like spinach. The leaves are used in Egypt as a traditional soup made with coriander, garlic, and meat. In other areas the leaves can be made into a stew made with cassava, rice and chicken meat. There are numerous recipes for this plant. Leaves can be dried and then powdered and made into tea. They can also be stored for future use in stews and soups, for additional flavor and to thicken the dish . In Japan it is sold in health food stores as a healthy tea. You can use young seed pods in the same manner as the okra.
The health advantages of Egyptian spinach have been promoted since the days of the Pharaohs. In the form of tea, it can boost your immune system and is also said to help treat constipation, cancer, anaemia and cystitis, diabetes fatigue, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, menopausal symptoms, obesity, respiratory problems as well as water retention. Tea made from the leaves may aid in childbirth and increase mothers' milk production. You can use it for treating eye sores, rashes and cuts.
Due to their strong, long stalks Many
Corchorus genus members can be grown to produce jute. Jute was utilized over time to create coarse yarn that was then used as rope or as a bagging fabric. The most tall, unbranched stems were the best choice to use for this. The stems were submerged in vegetable matter for several days, allowing the fibres to rot. The fibres were easily removed, then washed and dried. In some regions, this fibre can also be used to make paper. Corchorus Olitorius, also known as Egyptian spinach, is the best utilized to create jute. However,
حبوب البرسيم some of its relatives are also suitable for other functions.