Corchorus Olitorius, Egyptian Spinach is a very popular summer crop in our region. Molokhia/Molokheiya is a common name or many other names. It is thought to have been a staple food in Egypt well before the time of Christ and was a common food in Egypt since the time of Pharaohs. Molokheiya, an Egyptian term meaning "vegetable for kings", is the Egyptian name for the soup. Wikipedia says that a sick Egyptian King in the year 6000 BC requested hot soup. He was then healed through the consumption of hot soup on a daily basis. Cleopatra might have also enjoyed the similar soup. Egyptian Spinach, along with its close relatives, grows throughout Africa, India, and many other parts of Asia. It grows in the majority of subtropical and tropical zones throughout the world.



It is planted as an annual. It grows up to a maximum of a metre It produces tiny yellow flowers, has edible seed pods, and edible leaves that are easily harvested. It is extremely tough and grows rapidly. It is a relative to okra and grows in many of the same conditions as Okra. But, it doesn't prefer shade.


Large Egyptian spinach plant that is growing in the green lattice of the house


Do you have a desire to grow some? It can thrive in any soil type and doesn't care about pH. However, it prefers fertile soil that is well-drained. Pots can also be used. Make sure you prepare your soil in the normal manner and then place the seed in the exact spot where they will grow, the best planting time is between the seasons of spring and fall. Egyptian spinach seeds develop faster if placed in warm, soapy water before plant. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for up to 12 hours. When the plant grows to around 40cm in height, you can start picking leaves. Seeds that mature on the plant and drop to the ground will lay dormant in the soil until conditions are perfect and will be the the next crop. Egyptian spinach is largely disease and pest free. Caterpillars and grazers take advantage of the leaves and in the heat of summer, they may be affected by red spider mites. However, generally, they are not a problem. Seeds are currently available from BOGI seeds.



The leaves are high in vitamin and mineral content. The younger leaves can be utilized for sandwiches or salads, while the older leaves can either be dried or cooked. Take leaves like spinach. In Egypt the leaves are utilized in a traditional soup that includes garlic, بذور البرسيم الحجازي coriander and meat, in other regions it is cooked into a stew that includes rice, cassava and chicken meat. There are a variety of recipes for this plant. Leaves can be dried and then powdered, and then used as a tea, preserved for use in stews and soups for extra flavor and to thicken the dish . It is offered in Japan through health food stores as a nutritious and healthy tea. Young seed pods can be utilized in the same manner as Okra.



Since the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been touted for its health benefits. It is a drink that can increase the immune system. Tea made from leaves is said to aid in child birth and increase the production of milk for mothers. It can also be used to treat sore eyes, rashes, cuts and scratch marks.



Due to their strong, long stalks The Corchorus genus has many members that can be grown to make Jute. The jute fibers were used over time to create coarse yarn. This could later be used as a rope and as a material for sacking. This was best done with the most tall and unbranched stems. The stems were soaked in vegetable matter for several days in order to allow the fibres to begin to decay. The fibres were easily removed, then washed and dried. In some areas, this fibre can also be used to make paper. Corchorus Oltorius or Egyptian spinach is best used as a leaf vegetable while the other related species are best suited for jute production.