Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is getting very well-known as a summer crop in our part of the world. Molokhia/Molokheiya is a common name, and many other names. It is believed that it been a staple food in Egypt prior to the time of Christ and has been a common food in Egypt since the time of the Pharaohs. It is believed that the Egyptian name molokheiya means 'vegetable for the king' according to Wikipedia, an Egyptian king, around 6000 BC, requested hot soup because he was sick and after drinking hot soup each day, the illness was treated. Cleopatra might have also enjoyed the similar soup. Egyptian Spinach and its many close connections grow across Africa as well as the Middle East, India and several parts of Asia. It is found in all tropical and تقاوى البرسيم subtropical regions of the globe.



It is cultivated as an annual. It will grow to around a meter in height, gets small yellow flowers, has edible seed pods and leaves that can be constantly harvested. It is extremely tough and is able to grow rapidly. It is a relative to okra and grows in many of the same conditions as Okra. However, it doesn't like shade.


Large Egyptian spinach plant growing up in the green lattice of the house


Are you looking to plant some? It is able to grow in any soil type and does not care about the pH but of course prefers a fertile moist soil. Pots are also a possibility. The preparation of the soil is normal. Then, you can plant the seeds directly to where they will flourish. Autumn and spring are the best seasons to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds germinate faster if they are bathed in soapy hot water before plant. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for up to 12 hours. When the plant is approximately 40cm in height, you can begin to pick leaves. The seeds that grow on the plant, only to go to the ground and will be dormant until the next year. Egyptian spinach is virtually completely disease and pest-free. The leaves can be used in conjunction with grasshoppers and caterpillars but they aren't likely to get affected with the red spider mites. Seeds are currently available from BOGI seeds.



The leaves are extremely rich in vitamin and mineral content. The younger leaves can be consumed raw in salads, in sandwiches, and older leaves can be dried or cooked. Take leaves like spinach. In Egypt the leaves are served in a soup made of coriander, garlic and meat, in other parts of the world it is made into a stew made with rice, cassava, and chicken meat. This vegetable can be used in a variety of ways. Leaves can be dried , then powdered and made into tea. The tea can then be kept for later use in soups and stews for added flavor and also as a thickener . It is offered in Japan through health food shops as a nutritious and healthy tea. Young seed pods are used the same way as okra.



Since the time of the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been widely praised for its health benefits. It is a tea that can boost your immune system. Tea made of leaves is said to aid in child birth and increase the production of milk by mothers. It can also be used for treating eye sores cut, rashes and other irritations.



Many members of the Corchorus genus are used to produce Jute due to their large, strong fibres that are found in their stalks. Jute was used throughout the centuries to make coarse yarn. It was then used to make rope as well as as a sacking fabric. The most tall, unbranched stems were the best choice to use for this. The stems were immersed in vegetable matter for several days to allow the fibers to begin to decay. The fibres could be easily removed and then cleaned and dried. In certain regions where this fibre is found, it can be used to make paper. Corchorus Olitorius, which is also known as Egyptian spinach, is best used to make Jute. However certain of its relatives can be used for other functions. Última modificação em Quarta, 31 Julho 2024