Another great summer spinach – Egyptian Spinach
Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is growing in popularity as a summer crop in our part of the world. It is known under a variety of names: Molokhia/Molokheiya (and several other ways of spelling it) such as salad mallow Jew’s mallow, jute mallow and West African sorrel to name just a few. It is believed that it originated in Egypt well before the time of Christ and was the staple food of Egypt since the days of the Pharaohs. Molokheiya which is an Egyptian term which translates to “vegetable for king” is the Egyptian name of the soup. Wikipedia states that a sick Egyptian King around 6000BC demanded hot soup. He was then healed by drinking hot soup regularly. Cleopatra is also said to have enjoyed the same soup. Egyptian Spinach and its numerous close relations grow throughout Africa and the Middle East, India and several parts of Asia. It is a common plant in subtropical and tropical areas across the globe.
It is planted as an annual. It grows to around a meter in height and produces small yellow flowers and produces edible seed pods, and edible leaves that can be continuously harvested. It is very hardy and grows quickly. It is a very close relative to okra many of the same growing conditions apply, loves the heat, and تقاوى برسيم حجازى can withstand dry and wet conditions (not in a waterlogged) however it doesn’t appreciate the shade.
Large Egyptian spinach plant that is growing in green house lattice
Are you considering growing one? It will grow in any soil type and does not care about the pH but naturally prefers a fertile moist soil. Pots are also a possibility. It is easy to prepare the soil as normal. After that, plant seeds in the exact spot into the soil where they will thrive. The months of spring and autumn are the best time to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds sprout better if placed in hot water prior to planting for at minimum a few minutes, Isabel Shipard recommends soaking for at least 12 hours. When the plant grows to around 40cm tall, you can begin picking leaves. The seeds that mature on the plant and drop to the ground will lay dormant in the soil until the conditions are right and become next year’s crop. Egyptian spinach is largely disease and pest free. Caterpillars and grasshoppers will be sharing the leaves and during summer they can be affected by red spider mites but generally, they are not a problem. Seeds are available now from BOGI seeds.
The leaves are high in protein, minerals and vitamins. Younger leaves can be consumed raw in salads, on sandwiches and the older leaves cooked or dried. Take leaves like spinach. In Egypt the leaves are served in traditional soups made with coriander, garlic and meat. In other places it is cooked into a stew that includes cassava, rice and chicken meat. There are many recipes for this plant. The leaves can be dried, and later ground into a tea. When the tea has been prepared, it can be stored in a container for the next stews or soups. It is sold in Japan through health food stores as a healthy and nutritious tea. It is possible to use seedlings that are young pods the same way as okra.
The health benefits of Egyptian spinach have been promoted from the time of the Pharaohs. It is a tea which can increase your immune system. Tea made from leaves can help during birth and boost mothers’ milk production. It can also be used as to treat sore eyes, rashes, cuts and scratch marks.
Many of the species in the Corchorus genus can be grown to produce Jute because they possess long, strong fibres within their stalks. Jute was used throughout the years to make coarse yarn. It was then used as rope or as a material for sacking. This was most effective with the highest and longest stems. The stems were immersed in vegetable matter for several days to allow the fibres to begin to decay. After that, the fibres could be easily removed and then washed and dried. In some areas the fibre could be used to create paper. Corchorus Olitorius, also known as Egyptian spinach, is best used to make jute. However certain of its relatives can be used for other reasons.
