Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is growing in popularity as a summer crop in the United States and around the world. It is known under a variety of names: Molokhia/Molokheiya (and many other methods to spell it) and salad mallow. Jute mallow, Jew's Mallow and West African sorrel to name but several. It is believed to have been a staple food in Egypt long before the time of Christ and has been the staple food of Egypt from the time of the Pharaohs. Molokheiya, an Egyptian term which translates to "vegetable for kings", is the Egyptian name of the soup. Wikipedia says that a sick Egyptian King around 6000BC demanded hot soup and was cured after consuming hot soup daily. Cleopatra is also believed to have eaten the same soup. Egyptian Spinach together with its many close relatives, grows throughout Africa, India, and many other parts of Asia. It grows in the majority of subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world.



It is an annual. It can grow up to a maximum of a metre and produces small yellow flowers, produces edible seed pods as well as edible leaves that are easily harvested. It is extremely durable and is able to grow rapidly. It is a relative of okra and can grow in the same conditions as the okra. It does not like shade.


large Egyptian spinach plant growing on lattices in green house


Are you interested in establishing one? It can grow in any type of soil and does not care about pH. It prefers soil with a fertile pH that is moist. Pots are also a possibility. Preparing the soil is as normal. Then, you plant seeds in the exact spot to where they will flourish. Autumn and spring are the best seasons to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds will develop better if they are placed in hot water prior to planting for at least few minutes. Isabel Shipard recommends soaking for at least 12 hours. When the plant grows to around 40cm high, you are able to begin to harvest leaves. The seeds that grow on the plant, only to drop to the ground, will be dormant until the next year. Egyptian spinach is largely disease and pest free. Caterpillars and grazers have a symbiosis with the leaves and during the hot summer, they may be affected by red spider mites however overall not too problematical. BOGI Seeds offers seeds currently.



The leaf is rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein. The younger leaves can be used as a sandwich or salad, while older leaves can be dried or cooked. Take leaves like spinach. In Egypt the leaves are utilized in a traditional soup with garlic, coriander and meat. In other areas it is made into a stew with rice, cassava, and even chicken meat. This vegetable can be utilized in many ways. The leaves can be dried and then ground into a tea. After the tea has been prepared, you can put them in a container to make the next stews or soups. It is offered in Japan through health food stores as a nutritious and healthy tea. Young seed pods can be used in the same way as Okra.



Since the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been praised for its health benefits. It is a tea which can boost your immunity. Tea made from leaves can help during childbirth and increase mothers' milk production. It can also be used to treat rashes, sore eyes as well as rashes, cuts and rashes.



Many members of the Corchorus genus can be grown as a source of Jute due to their large, strong fibres that are found in their stalks. This jute was used over the centuries to make coarse yarn. It was later used as a rope and as a material for sacking. The most tall, شركات البذور الزراعية فى مصر unbranched stems were the best choice for this. The stems were immersed in vegetable matter for a few days to allow the fibers to turn brown. After that, شركات البذور الزراعية فى مصر; www.iconfinder.com, the fibres were easily removed, then cleaned and dried. In some areas the fibre could be used to create paper. Corchorus Olitorius, also known as Egyptian spinach is most commonly used as a leaf vegetable while others of its relatives are better used to make jute.