Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is becoming very popular as a summer crop in the United States and around the world. It's known by many different names. Molokhia/Molokheiya (and several other ways to spell it), زراعة بذور الملوخية (canvas.instructure.com) salad mallow, Jew's mallow, jute mallow and West African sorrel to name just some. It is believed to have been a staple food in Egypt in the early days of Christ and was a common food in Egypt from the time of the Pharaohs. Molokheiya which is an Egyptian term meaning "vegetable for kings" is the Egyptian name of the soup. Wikipedia claims that a sick Egyptian king around 6000BC requested hot soup and was cured by drinking hot soup every day. Cleopatra is also believed to have drank the same soup. Egyptian Spinach together with its numerous close relatives, grows throughout Africa, India, and various other parts of Asia. It is a common plant in tropical and sub tropical regions all over the world.
It is cultivated as an annual. It grows to about a metre tall It produces tiny yellow flowers and produces edible seed pods and edible leaves that can be constantly harvested. It is extremely hardy and rapidly growing. It is a cousin to okra and grows in the same conditions as Okra. It doesn't need shade.
large Egyptian spinach plant that is growing up the lattice of the green home
Are you interested in growing one? It can be grown in all soil types and زراعة بذور الملوخية is not particular about pH, however obviously prefers fertile moist soil. Pots are also possible. Prepare your soil in your regular manner and then plant seeds directly in the area where they'll grow, the best planting time is between the months of spring and autumn. Egyptian spinach seeds will develop better if they are bathed in hot water prior planting for at minimum a few minutes. Isabel Shipard recommends soaking for up to 12 hours. Begin picking leaves when the plant is around 40 centimeters high. The seeds that mature on the plant, only to disappear to the earth, will rest in dormancy until next year. Egyptian spinach is relatively healthy and free of pests and diseases. The grasshoppers and caterpillars take advantage of the leaves and during summer, they may be affected by red spider mites. However, generally, they are not a problem. BOGI Seeds is currently offering seeds.
The leaves are high in vitamin and mineral content. Younger leaves can be eaten raw in salads, in sandwiches and the older leaves dried or cooked. The leaves can be utilized in like spinach. In Egypt the leaves are used in a traditional soup with coriander, garlic and meat, in other parts of the world it is made into a stew made with rice, cassava, and even chicken meat. There are numerous recipes for this plant. Leaves can be dried , then powdered and used as tea. They can also be kept for later use in stews and soups for extra flavor as well as to thicken dishes . In Japan it is sold in health food stores as a nutritious tea. Young seed pods in the same manner as the okra.
Since the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been praised as having health benefits. It is a tea that will improve the immune system. Tea made from the leaves is believed to aid during childbirth and boost the production of milk for mothers. It is also used to treat sore eyes cut, rashes and other irritations.
Due to their strong, long stalks The Corchorus genus has many members that can be grown to make Jute. In the past, the jute fibers were used to create a coarse yarn which was then made into rope and a coarse material for sacking. This was most effective with the largest and least branched stems. Stems would be soaked over several days so the plant matter could develop a rotting process and the fibres are easily removed then washed, dried, and sorted for use. The fibre can also be used for paper production in certain regions. Corchorus Olitorius, also known as Egyptian spinach, is best used to make Jute. However many of its cousins are also suitable for other functions.
It is cultivated as an annual. It grows to about a metre tall It produces tiny yellow flowers and produces edible seed pods and edible leaves that can be constantly harvested. It is extremely hardy and rapidly growing. It is a cousin to okra and grows in the same conditions as Okra. It doesn't need shade.
Are you interested in growing one? It can be grown in all soil types and زراعة بذور الملوخية is not particular about pH, however obviously prefers fertile moist soil. Pots are also possible. Prepare your soil in your regular manner and then plant seeds directly in the area where they'll grow, the best planting time is between the months of spring and autumn. Egyptian spinach seeds will develop better if they are bathed in hot water prior planting for at minimum a few minutes. Isabel Shipard recommends soaking for up to 12 hours. Begin picking leaves when the plant is around 40 centimeters high. The seeds that mature on the plant, only to disappear to the earth, will rest in dormancy until next year. Egyptian spinach is relatively healthy and free of pests and diseases. The grasshoppers and caterpillars take advantage of the leaves and during summer, they may be affected by red spider mites. However, generally, they are not a problem. BOGI Seeds is currently offering seeds.
The leaves are high in vitamin and mineral content. Younger leaves can be eaten raw in salads, in sandwiches and the older leaves dried or cooked. The leaves can be utilized in like spinach. In Egypt the leaves are used in a traditional soup with coriander, garlic and meat, in other parts of the world it is made into a stew made with rice, cassava, and even chicken meat. There are numerous recipes for this plant. Leaves can be dried , then powdered and used as tea. They can also be kept for later use in stews and soups for extra flavor as well as to thicken dishes . In Japan it is sold in health food stores as a nutritious tea. Young seed pods in the same manner as the okra.
Since the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been praised as having health benefits. It is a tea that will improve the immune system. Tea made from the leaves is believed to aid during childbirth and boost the production of milk for mothers. It is also used to treat sore eyes cut, rashes and other irritations.
Due to their strong, long stalks The Corchorus genus has many members that can be grown to make Jute. In the past, the jute fibers were used to create a coarse yarn which was then made into rope and a coarse material for sacking. This was most effective with the largest and least branched stems. Stems would be soaked over several days so the plant matter could develop a rotting process and the fibres are easily removed then washed, dried, and sorted for use. The fibre can also be used for paper production in certain regions. Corchorus Olitorius, also known as Egyptian spinach, is best used to make Jute. However many of its cousins are also suitable for other functions.