Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, تقاوى البرسيم is becoming very popular as a summer vegetable in the United States and around the world. Molokhia/Molokheiya or many other names. It is believed to have been a staple food in Egypt long before the time of Christ and was an essential food staple in the region from the time of the Pharaohs. The Egyptian name molokheiya refers to “vegetables suitable for the King’ according to Wikipedia, an Egyptian king, around 6000 BC, asked for hot soup because he was sick. After drinking hot soup each day, his ailments were cured. Cleopatra is also believed to have taken the same soup. Egyptian Spinach, along with its numerous close relatives can be found all over Africa, India, and various other parts of Asia. It is found throughout the subtropical and tropical areas of the world.
It is cultivated as an annual. It will grow up to a maximum of a metre It produces tiny yellow flowers, has edible seed pods and leaves that can be continually harvested. It is very robust and fast growing. Similar to Okra, many of its growing conditions apply, loves the heat, can handle both dry and wet conditions (not in a waterlogged) however it doesn’t appreciate the shade.
Large Egyptian spinach plant that is growing in the green house lattice
Do you want to grow some? It can be grown in any type of soil and doesn’t care about pH. It prefers soil that is fertile and humid. It will even do well in pots. Make your soil ready in your normal manner and then place the seed in the exact spot where they will grow the most optimal time for planting is between the seasons of spring and fall. Egyptian spinach seeds will grow better when they are placed in hot water prior to planting for a minimum of few minutes. Isabel Shipard recommends soaking for up to 12 hours. Begin picking leaves when the plant is around 40cm high. Seeds that mature on plant and fall to ground will be dormant in the soil until the conditions are right and become the next crop. Egyptian spinach is nearly pest and disease-free. The grasshoppers and caterpillars take advantage of the leaves and during the hot summer, they can be affected by red spider mites however overall not too problematical. BOGI Seeds currently offers seeds.
The leaf is a rich source of nutrients, minerals and protein. The younger leaves can be used for sandwiches or salads, while the older leaves can be cooked or dried. Take leaves like spinach. In Egypt the leaves are served in a traditional soup with coriander, garlic 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 vegetable. The leaves can be dried before being powdered, and then used as a tea, stored for future use in stews and soups for extra flavor and to thicken the dish . In Japan it is advertised in the health food store as a health tea. Young seed pods are utilized the same way as okra.
The health advantages of Egyptian spinach have been marketed from the time of the Pharaohs. It is a tea that can improve your immune system and is also said to be helpful for treating anaemia, cancer, constipation the cystitis, diabetes fatigue excessive blood pressure high cholesterol, menopausal symptoms, obesity, respiratory problems as well as water retention. Tea made of leaves is believed to aid during childbirth and boost the production of milk for mothers. It is also used to treat sore eyes as well as rashes, cuts and rashes.
Many of the species in the Corchorus genus can be grown as a source of Jute due to their long, strong fibres in their stalks. Jute was used throughout many centuries to make coarse yarn. This was then used to make rope, and also as sacking fabric. It was best made using the tallest and most unbranched stems. The stems were submerged in vegetable matter for a few days in order to allow the fibres to turn brown. The fibres could be easily removed and then cleaned and dried. The fibre can also be utilized to create paper in certain areas. Corchorus olitorius or Egyptian spinach is most effective as a vegetable for leaf production, while the other related species are better used to make jute.