Corchorus Olitorius, Egyptian Spinach is an extremely popular summer crop in our region. It is also known as Molokhia/Molokheiya, and many other names. It is believed to have been a staple food in Egypt prior to the time of Christ and was a common food in Egypt since the days of the Pharaohs. It is believed that the Egyptian name molokheiya refers to a vegetable for the King', according to Wikipedia, a sick Egyptian king, around 6000 BC, requested hot soup after being sick and after drinking hot soup each day, his condition was healed. Cleopatra is also said to have taken the same soup. Egyptian Spinach and its numerous close relations grow throughout Africa as well as the Middle East, India and numerous regions of Asia. It is found throughout the subtropical and tropical regions around the globe.
It is cultivated as an annual. It grows up to 1 metre tall, produces small yellow flowers and produces edible seeds that are shaped like pods. The edible leaves can also be harvested continuously. It is very hardy and rapidly growing. It is a cousin of okra , and it can thrive in the same conditions like okra. But, it doesn't prefer shade.
Large Egyptian spinach plant growing in green house lattice
Are you interested in growing one? It is able to grow in any soil type and doesn't care about pH, but naturally prefers a fertile moist soil. Pots can also be used. Preparing the soil is as normal. After that, plant seeds in the exact spot in the area where they will develop. Spring and autumn are the ideal times to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds will sprout faster if they are placed in warm, soapy water before plant. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for as long as 12 hours. When the plant is about 40cm tall, you can begin to harvest leaves. The seeds that develop on the plant and go to the ground and will remain dormant until next year. Egyptian spinach is fairly healthy and free of pests and diseases. Caterpillars and grasshoppers can be sharing the leaves and in the heat of summer, they can be affected by red spider mites however overall , it's not that problematic. Seeds are currently available from BOGI seeds.
The leaves are high in vitamin and mineral content. The younger leaves can be eaten raw in salads, in sandwiches and the older leaves dried or cooked. Utilize leaves the same way you would spinach. The leaves are utilized in Egypt as a traditional soup which includes coriander, بذور مصريه garlic as well as meat. In other regions it is made into a stew that includes cassava, rice, and chicken meat. The vegetable can be utilized in many different ways. The leaves can be dried and later ground into a tea. Once the tea is prepared, you can store them in a container for further stews or soups. In Japan it is sold in health food stores as a nutritious tea. Young seed pods are utilized the same way as Okra.
Since the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been widely praised for its health benefits. As a tea it will increase your immunity and is believed to help treat constipation, anaemia, cancer the cystitis, diabetes fatigue, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, menopausal symptoms, obesity, respiratory problems and water retention. Tea made from the leaves may aid in birth and boost mothers' milk production. It is also used as a wash for sore eyes, rashes, cuts and abrasions.
Many of the species in the genus Corchorus are used as a source of Jute because they possess long, strong fibres within their stalks. This jute was used over time to create coarse yarn, which could later be used as rope or as a packing fabric. The most tall, unbranched stems were best to use for this. The stems were immersed in vegetable matter for several days, allowing the fibres to begin to decay. After that, the fibres could be easily removed and then cleaned and dried. In some areas, this fibre can also be used to create paper. Corchorus Olitorius, also referred to as Egyptian spinach, is the best used to make jute. However it is also possible that some of its cousins can be used for other functions.
It is cultivated as an annual. It grows up to 1 metre tall, produces small yellow flowers and produces edible seeds that are shaped like pods. The edible leaves can also be harvested continuously. It is very hardy and rapidly growing. It is a cousin of okra , and it can thrive in the same conditions like okra. But, it doesn't prefer shade.
Large Egyptian spinach plant growing in green house lattice
Are you interested in growing one? It is able to grow in any soil type and doesn't care about pH, but naturally prefers a fertile moist soil. Pots can also be used. Preparing the soil is as normal. After that, plant seeds in the exact spot in the area where they will develop. Spring and autumn are the ideal times to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds will sprout faster if they are placed in warm, soapy water before plant. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for as long as 12 hours. When the plant is about 40cm tall, you can begin to harvest leaves. The seeds that develop on the plant and go to the ground and will remain dormant until next year. Egyptian spinach is fairly healthy and free of pests and diseases. Caterpillars and grasshoppers can be sharing the leaves and in the heat of summer, they can be affected by red spider mites however overall , it's not that problematic. Seeds are currently available from BOGI seeds.
The leaves are high in vitamin and mineral content. The younger leaves can be eaten raw in salads, in sandwiches and the older leaves dried or cooked. Utilize leaves the same way you would spinach. The leaves are utilized in Egypt as a traditional soup which includes coriander, بذور مصريه garlic as well as meat. In other regions it is made into a stew that includes cassava, rice, and chicken meat. The vegetable can be utilized in many different ways. The leaves can be dried and later ground into a tea. Once the tea is prepared, you can store them in a container for further stews or soups. In Japan it is sold in health food stores as a nutritious tea. Young seed pods are utilized the same way as Okra.
Since the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been widely praised for its health benefits. As a tea it will increase your immunity and is believed to help treat constipation, anaemia, cancer the cystitis, diabetes fatigue, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, menopausal symptoms, obesity, respiratory problems and water retention. Tea made from the leaves may aid in birth and boost mothers' milk production. It is also used as a wash for sore eyes, rashes, cuts and abrasions.
Many of the species in the genus Corchorus are used as a source of Jute because they possess long, strong fibres within their stalks. This jute was used over time to create coarse yarn, which could later be used as rope or as a packing fabric. The most tall, unbranched stems were best to use for this. The stems were immersed in vegetable matter for several days, allowing the fibres to begin to decay. After that, the fibres could be easily removed and then cleaned and dried. In some areas, this fibre can also be used to create paper. Corchorus Olitorius, also referred to as Egyptian spinach, is the best used to make jute. However it is also possible that some of its cousins can be used for other functions.