Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is growing in popularity as a garden vegetable in our part of the world. You can call it Molokhia/Molokheiya as well as many other names. It is believed to have been a staple food in Egypt long before the time of Christ and has been a staple food there since the time of Pharaohs. The Egyptian name molokheiya means 'vegetable for the King' according to Wikipedia, an Egyptian King, in the year 6000 BC, requested hot soup after being unwell and after taking the hot soup every day the illness was treated. Cleopatra is also said to have drank the same soup. Egyptian Spinach as well as its numerous close connections are prevalent throughout Africa as well as the Middle East, India and many parts of Asia. It grows in the majority of subtropical and tropical zones all over the world.

It is planted as an annual. It can grow to about a metre tall It produces tiny yellow flowers, has edible seed pods and edible leaves that can be continually harvested. It is extremely durable and is fast growing. Being a relative of Okra, many of the cultivars, it enjoys the heat, and can withstand dry and moist conditions (not wet) however, it isn't a fan of the shade.

Large Egyptian spinach plant growing in green house lattice

Are you considering growing one? It is able to grow in any soil type and does not care about the pH but naturally prefers a fertile moist soil. It will even do well in pots. The preparation of the soil is normal. Then, you can plant the seeds right in the area where they will develop. Autumn and spring are the best times to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds will grow faster if placed in warm, soapy water prior to plant. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for as long as 12 hours. Start picking leaves when the plant is about 40 cm tall. The seeds which mature on the plant, and then go to the ground and will be dormant until the next year. Egyptian spinach is almost pest and disease-free. The leaves are able to be shared with grasshoppers as well as caterpillars, but they are not likely to become affected by the red spider mites. Seeds are available at present from BOGI seeds.

The leaf is rich in minerals, vitamins, and protein. The younger leaves can be consumed raw in salads, on sandwiches, and older leaves can be dried or cooked. Use leaves as you would spinach. The leaves are utilized in Egypt in a soup that is traditional that includes garlic, coriander, and meat. In other regions it can be cooked into a stew that includes cassava, rice and chicken meat. There are many recipes available for this plant. The leaves can be dried and later ground into a tea. When the tea is ready you can keep them in a container so that you can make future soups or stews. It is sold in Japan through health food shops as a nutritious and healthy tea. Young seed pods are utilized in the same manner as okra.

The benefits of Egyptian spinach have been marketed from the time of the Pharaohs. It is a tea that can increase your immunity and can also help treat constipation, anaemia, cancer and cystitis, حبوب البرسيم diabetes fatigue excessive blood pressure menopausal symptoms, high cholesterol weight gain, respiratory ailments and water retention. Tea made from the leaves can help during birth and boost mothers' milk production. It can be used to treat eye irritation, rashes and cuts.

Because of their long, strong stalks, many Corchorus genus members can be grown for jute. Jute was used throughout time to create coarse yarn, which could later be used as a rope and as a bagging fabric. The most tall, unbranched stems were ideal to use for this. The stems were immersed in vegetable matter for several days to allow the fibers to begin to decay. The fibres were easily removed and washed and dried. The fibre can also be used to make paper in some areas. Corchorus Olitorius, also known as Egyptian spinach, is the best used to make Jute. However, some of its relatives are also suitable for other functions.