Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is getting very well-known as a summer vegetable in our part of the world. Molokhia/Molokheiya is a common name or many other names. It is believed to have been a staple food in Egypt well before the time of Christ and has been a common food in Egypt since the time of the Pharaohs. The Egyptian name molokheiya means 'vegetable for the King' according to Wikipedia, a sick Egyptian King around 6000 BC, asked for hot soup while unwell and after taking the hot soup every day his ailments were cured. Cleopatra might also have enjoyed the similar soup. Egyptian Spinach as well as its numerous close relatives can be found all over Africa, India, and numerous other regions of Asia. It can be found in all tropical and subtropical areas of the world.
It is grown as an annual. It can grow to about a metre in height, produces small yellow flowers and produces edible seeds that are shaped like pods. The edible leaves can also be harvested in a
continuous manner. It is very robust and fast growing. Being a
relative of Okra, many of the same characteristics are in place. It is a fan of the heat, can handle dry and wet conditions (not in a 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 will grow in any soil type and isn't particular about pH. However, it naturally prefers a fertile moist soil. It is also able to thrive in pots. Make sure you prepare your soil in the normal way then plant seed directly in the area where they'll grow The ideal time for planting is between spring and autumn. Egyptian spinach seeds sprout faster if they are soaked in hot, soapy water before planting. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for up to 12 hours. When the plant grows to around 40cm tall, you can begin picking leaves. Seeds that mature on plant and drop to the ground will lie dormant within the soil until the weather is right and become next year's crop. Egyptian spinach is virtually completely disease and pest-free. Caterpillars and grasshoppers will have a symbiosis with the leaves and during summer they can be affected by red spider mites. However, overall , it's not that problematic. BOGI Seeds currently offers seeds.
The leaves are extremely rich in proteins, minerals, and vitamins. The younger leaves can be utilized in sandwiches or salads while older leaves may either be cooked or dried. It is possible to use leaves in the same way as spinach. The leaves are utilized in Egypt as a traditional soup made with coriander, garlic and even meat. In other regions, it can be made into a stew that includes rice, cassava, and chicken meat. There are many recipes for this vegetable. The leaves can be dried before being powdered to make a tea, stored for future use in soups and stews for added flavor and also as a thickener . It is sold in Japan through health food stores as a healthy and nutritious tea. You can use young seed pods in the same manner as the okra.
Since the time of the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been promoted for its health benefits. As a tea , it is said to increase your immunity and is believed to be beneficial in treating anaemia, cancer, constipation the cystitis, diabetes fatigue, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, menopausal symptoms, obesity, respiratory problems and water retention. Tea made of leaves is believed to help during the birth of a child and boost the production of milk for mothers. Also, it can be used as to treat sore eyes or rashes, cuts, and scratches.
Due to their long, sturdy stalks Many Corchorus genus members can be grown for Jute. The jute fibers were used over the centuries to make coarse yarn, which was later used as a rope and بزر الملوخية (
simply click the up coming website) as a material for sacking. It was best to use the highest and longest stems. Stems would be soaked for some time so that the vegetable matter could begin to decay and the fibres would be easily removed. Then they were washed dried, and sorted for use. In some areas where this fibre is found, it can be used for paper. Corchorus Olitorius, also known as Egyptian spinach, is the best used to make jute. However certain of its relatives can also be used for other purposes.