Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is becoming very popular as a vegetable for summer in the United States and around the world. It is also known as Molokhia/Molokheiya, and many other names. It is thought to have been a staple food in Egypt in the early days of Christ and was an essential food staple in the region since the time of Pharaohs. The Egyptian name molokheiya is a reference to’vegetables for the king’ according to Wikipedia, an Egyptian king, around 6000BC asked for hot soup after being unwell . After taking the hot soup on a daily basis, his ailments were cured. Cleopatra is also said to have taken the same soup. Egyptian Spinach and its numerous close relationships are found throughout Africa in the Middle East, حشيشة السودان India and various parts of Asia. It is found in all subtropical and tropical regions around the world.
It can be grown as an annual. It will grow up to a metre in height, has small yellow flowers and produces edible seeds in pods. The edible leaves can also be harvested continuously. It is very hardy and can grow quickly. It is a cousin of okra that can be grown in many of the same conditions like Okra. However, حشيشة السودان it doesn’t need shade.
huge Egyptian spinach plant growing on lattice in green home
Are you looking to plant some? It is able to grow in any type of soil and does not care about pH. It prefers soil with a fertile pH that is well-drained. It can even grow in pots. Making the soil ready is normal. Then, you plant the seeds where they will grow. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds grow faster if soaked in hot, soapy water before plant. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for as long as 12 hours. Begin picking leaves when the plant is about 40 cm tall. The seeds that mature on the plant and fall to the ground, will be dormant until the next year. Egyptian spinach is largely healthy and free of pests and diseases. The grasshoppers and caterpillars be sharing the leaves and in the heat of summer they could be affected by red spider mites but generally not an issue. Seeds are currently available from BOGI seeds.
The leaves are very high in protein, minerals and vitamins. The younger leaves are great in salads or sandwiches, while older leaves may either be dried or cooked. Leaves can be used in similar to spinach. In Egypt the leaves are served in a soup made of coriander, garlic and meat, in other places it is cooked into a stew using cassava, rice and chicken meat. There are a variety of recipes for this plant. The leaves can be dried, and then ground into tea. After the tea is ready, it can be stored in a container so that you can make future soups or stews. In Japan it is advertised in health food stores as a health tea. Young seed pods are used in the same way as okra.
The health benefits of Egyptian spinach have been marketed from the time of the Pharaohs. It is a tea which can increase the immune system. Tea made from leaves can help during childbirth and increase mothers’ milk production. It is also used as for washing eyes as well as cuts, rashes and abrasions.
Many members of the Corchorus genus can be grown as a source of Jute because they possess thick, sturdy fibres in their stalks. This jute was used over time to create coarse yarn that was then used as rope as well as as a sacking fabric. The tallest, most unbranched, stems were the best choice to use for this. Stems were then soaked for several days in order that the matter of the vegetable would begin to decay and the fibres would be easily removed. Then they were washed dried, and sorted for use. In certain regions where this fibre is found, it can be used to create paper. Corchorus Olitorius, also referred to as Egyptian spinach, is best utilized to create Jute. However it is also possible that some of its cousins can also be used for other uses.