Corchorus Olitorius, Egyptian Spinach is a popular summer vegetable in our region. It is also known as Molokhia/Molokheiya as well as many other names. It is believed to have been first discovered in Egypt prior to Christ and has been an essential food item since the time of the Pharaohs. Molokheiya, which is an Egyptian term which translates to "vegetable for the king", is the Egyptian term used to describe the soup. Wikipedia says that a sick Egyptian king around 6000BC requested hot soup. He was then healed by drinking hot soup regularly. Cleopatra may have also enjoyed the same soup. Egyptian Spinach and its numerous close connections grow across Africa and the Middle East, India and many regions of Asia. It is a common plant in subtropical and tropical areas across the globe.
It is cultivated in the form of an annual. It can grow to about an metre high, it bears tiny yellow flowers and produces edible seeds in pods. The edible leaves can be harvested on a regular basis. It is very hardy and is fast growing. Similar to Okra,
بذور برسيم حجازي many of its growing conditions apply, loves the heat, can handle both dry and wet conditions (not waterlogged) however, it isn't a fan of the shade.
Large Egyptian spinach plant growing on lattice in green house
Are you interested in establishing one? It can thrive in any soil type and does not care about pH. It prefers fertile soil that is damp. It can even grow in pots. Prepare your soil in your normal manner and then place the seed directly where they will grow the most optimal time for planting is between the months of spring and autumn. Egyptian spinach seeds will grow better when they are bathed in hot water prior planting for at least a couple of minutes. Isabel Shipard recommends soaking for at least 12 hours. The time to pick leaves is when the plant is 40 cm high. Seeds that mature on plant and drop to the ground will be dormant in the soil until conditions are right and become next year's crop. Egyptian spinach is fairly pest and disease free. The grasshoppers and caterpillars have a symbiosis with the leaves and during summer they can be affected by red spider mites however generally, they are not a problem. BOGI Seeds is currently offering seeds.
The leaf is a rich source of nutrients,
بذور برسيم حجازي minerals and protein. The younger leaves can be used for sandwiches or salads, while the older leaves can be dried or cooked. You can use leaves like spinach. In Egypt the leaves are utilized in a traditional soup with coriander, garlic and meat. In other areas it is made into a stew that includes rice, cassava, and chicken meat. The vegetable can be utilized in many different ways. The leaves can be dried and then ground into a tea. After the tea has been prepared, it can be stored in a container for stews and soups in the future. In Japan it is
marketed through the health food store as a health tea. You can make use of young seed pods in the same manner as Okra.
Since the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been promoted as having health benefits. As a tea , it is said to increase your immunity and is also said to be beneficial in treating constipation, cancer, anaemia the cystitis, diabetes fatigue as well as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, menopausal symptoms, obesity, respiratory problems as well as water retention. Tea made of leaves may aid in birth and boost mothers' milk production. It can also be used for treating eye sores as well as rashes, cuts and rashes.
Many of the species in the genus Corchorus are used as a source of Jute because they possess thick, sturdy fibres in their stalks. The jute fibers were used over many centuries to make coarse yarn. This was then used as rope, and also as packing fabric. This was best done with the highest and longest stems. The stems were soaked in vegetable matter for a few days,
allowing the fibres to rot. The fibres could be easily removed, and later washed and dried. This fiber is also used to make paper in some areas. Corchorus Olitorius, which is also known as Egyptian spinach, is best utilized to create jute. However certain of its relatives are also suitable for other purposes.