Corchorus Olitorius, Egyptian Spinach is an extremely popular summer crop in our region. Molokhia/Molokheiya or many other names. It is believed to have been discovered in Egypt prior to Christ and was an important staple food since the times of the Pharaohs. Molokheiya which is an Egyptian term that means “vegetable for king”, is the Egyptian term used to describe the soup. Wikipedia states that a sick Egyptian King around 6000BC demanded hot soup. He was then healed through the consumption of hot soup on a daily basis. Cleopatra is also said to have enjoyed the same soup. Egyptian Spinach, along with its numerous close cousins is found throughout Africa, India, and several other parts of Asia. It is located in all subtropical and tropical regions around the globe.
It is possible to grow it as an annual. It can grow to about an metre high, produces small yellow flowers and produces edible seeds that are shaped like pods. The edible leaves can be harvested throughout the year. It is extremely durable and is fast growing. It is a relative to okra and grows in the same conditions as the okra. It does not prefer shade.
Large Egyptian spinach plant that is growing in the green lattice of the house
Are you considering growing one? It is able to grow in any soil type and does not care about pH, however always prefers a rich moist soil. Pots are also an option. Making the soil ready is normal. Then, you can plant the seeds directly to where they will flourish. Autumn and spring are the ideal times to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds grow faster if soaked in hot, soapy water prior to plant. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for as long as 12 hours. When the plant grows to around 40cm tall, you can begin picking leaves. The seeds which mature on the plant, then drop to the ground, will not be able to germinate until the following year. Egyptian spinach is almost non-infectious and free of pests. The leaves are able to be shared with grasshoppers and caterpillars, but they are unlikely to be affected with the red spider mites. The seeds are currently available through BOGI seeds.
The leaves are rich in nutrients, protein and minerals. The younger leaves can be utilized in salads or sandwiches, and the older leaves can be cooked or dried. Take leaves like spinach. In Egypt the leaves are used in a traditional soup that includes coriander, garlic and meat. In other regions it is cooked into a stew made with rice, cassava and chicken meat. There are many recipes available for this vegetable. The leaves can be dried, and then ground into a tea. When the tea has been prepared, you can put them in a container so that you can make further stews or soups. In Japan it is advertised in the health food store as a healthy tea. It is possible to use seedlings that are young pods the same way as the okra.
The health advantages of Egyptian spinach have been promoted since the time of Pharaohs. In the form of tea, it can enhance your immune system. It it is also believed to be beneficial in treating constipation, anaemia, cancer, cystitis, diabetes, تقاوى البرسيم fatigue as well as high blood pressure, menopausal symptoms, high cholesterol, obesity, respiratory problems and water retention. Tea made of leaves can aid in birth and boost mothers’ milk production. It can also be used for treating eye sores or تقاوى البرسيم rashes as well as cuts, bruises and cuts.
A variety of species belonging to the Corchorus genus can be grown as a source of jute as they have long, strong fibres within their stalks. In the past, the jute was used to make a coarse woven yarn which was then transformed into rope and a coarse fabric for sacking. The most tall, unbranched stems were ideal for this. The stems were submerged in vegetable matter for several days to allow the fibers to turn brown. The fibres could be easily removed and then washed and dried. The fibre can also be utilized to create paper in some regions. Corchorus Olitorius is also known as Egyptian spinach, is best utilized to create Jute. However, some of its relatives can also be used for other functions.