Corchorus Olitorius Egyptian Spinach is a very popular seasonally-grown vegetable in our area. It's known by many different names. Molokhia/Molokheiya (and various other ways to spell it) as well as salad mallow, Jute mallow, Jew's Mallow and West African sorrel to name just some. It is believed to have been discovered in Egypt before Christ and has been a staple food since time of the Pharaohs. Molokheiya, which is an Egyptian term that means «vegetable for the king» is the Egyptian term used to describe the soup. Wikipedia reports that an ill Egyptian king around 6000BC requested hot soup and بذرة البرسيم (Click That Link) was cured by drinking hot soup regularly. Cleopatra could have also savored the same soup. Egyptian Spinach together with its numerous close relatives is found throughout Africa, India, and many other parts of Asia. It will thrive in all subtropical and tropical areas throughout the world.

It is possible to grow it in the form of an annual. It grows to approximately a metre in height, produces small yellow flowers and produces edible seeds in pods. The edible leaves may also be harvested in a continuous manner. It is extremely tough and grows rapidly. It is a cousin of okra and can grow in many of the same conditions like the okra. But, it doesn't like shade.

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

Do you want to grow some? It can be grown in any soil type and isn't particular about pH. However, it always prefers a rich moist soil. Pots are also an option. The preparation of the soil is normal. Then, you can plant seeds in the exact spot into the soil where they will thrive. Autumn and spring are the best time to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds will develop better if they are immersed in hot water prior to planting for at least a couple of minutes. Isabel Shipard recommends soaking for up to 12 hours. When the plant is approximately 40cm high, you are able to begin to harvest leaves. The seeds which mature on the plant, and then fall to the ground, will rest in dormancy until next year. Egyptian spinach is virtually completely disease and pest-free. Caterpillars and grasshoppers will have a symbiosis with the leaves and during the hot summer they could be affected by red spider mites, but generally not an issue. Seeds are available now from BOGI seeds.

The leaf is a rich source of nutrients, minerals and protein. Younger leaves can be eaten raw in salads or sandwiches, and older leaves can be cooked or dried. The leaves can be utilized in the same way as spinach. The leaves are utilized in Egypt in a soup that is traditional that includes garlic, coriander and meat. In other areas, it can be made into a stew made with cassava, rice and chicken meat. This vegetable is used in numerous ways. The leaves can be dried, and then ground into tea. Once the tea is prepared, you can store them in a container to make stews and soups in the future. In Japan it is sold in health food stores as a nutritious tea. Young seed pods can be used in the same way as the okra.

The health advantages of Egyptian spinach have been promoted since the time of Pharaohs. It is a tea that can increase your immunity and it is also believed to help treat constipation, anaemia, cancer and cystitis, diabetes fatigue, high blood pressure, menopausal symptoms, high cholesterol weight gain, respiratory ailments as well as water retention. Tea made from leaves can assist in pregnancy and help increase mother's milk production. It is also used to treat rashes, sore eyes cut, rashes and other irritations.

Because of their long, sturdy stalks the Corchorus genus's members can be grown to make jute. The jute fibers were used over many centuries to make coarse yarn. This could later be used as rope or as a bagging fabric. It was best made using the most tall and unbranched stems. The stems were soaked for some time so that the matter of the vegetable would begin to develop a rotting process and the fibres are easily removed, then washed, dried, and sorted for use. In some regions the fibre could be used to create paper. Corchorus Olitorius is also known as Egyptian spinach, is best used to make jute. However, some of its relatives can also be used for other reasons.