Corchorus Olitorius Egyptian Spinach is a well-loved seasonally-grown vegetable in our area. It's known by many different names. Molokhia/Molokheiya (and various other ways to spell it) such as salad mallow Jew's mallow mallow and West African sorrel to name only a few. It is believed that it has been first discovered in Egypt prior to Christ and has been a staple food since period of the Pharaohs. Molokheiya, which is an Egyptian term meaning «vegetable for king», is the Egyptian name for the soup. Wikipedia says that a sick Egyptian King in the year 6000 BC requested hot soup and was cured by drinking hot soup regularly. Cleopatra is also believed to have drank the same soup. Egyptian Spinach, along with its many close relatives can be found in Africa, India, and various other parts of Asia. It is found in all subtropical and tropical regions around the globe.

It is planted as an annual. It will grow to about a meter tall, gets small yellow flowers, produces edible seed pods and leaves that can be continually harvested. It is extremely hardy and is fast growing. It is a cousin of okra, and it can thrive in many of the same conditions as the okra. But, it doesn't prefer shade.

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

Are you considering growing one? It is able to grow in any type of soil and is not concerned about pH. It prefers soil with a fertile pH that is damp. Pots are also possible. Prepare your soil in your regular manner and then plant seeds in the exact spot where they will grow The best time to plant is between spring and autumn. Egyptian spinach seeds will develop faster if soaked in hot, soapy water before plant. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for up to 12 hours. Begin picking leaves when the plant is about 40 cm tall. The seeds which mature on the plant, then disappear to the earth, will not be able to germinate until the following year. Egyptian spinach is relatively non-infested and pest-free. Caterpillars and grazers have a symbiosis with the leaves and during the hot summer they could be affected by red spider mites but overall not too problematical. BOGI Seeds is currently offering seeds.

The leaf is a rich source of minerals, vitamins, and protein. The younger leaves can be consumed raw in salads, in sandwiches, and older leaves can be dried or cooked. You can use leaves in the same way as spinach. In Egypt the leaves are used in traditional soups made with coriander, garlic and meat. In other regions it is cooked into a stew that includes cassava, rice and chicken meat. There are many recipes available for this plant. Leaves can be dried and then powdered to make tea. They can also be preserved for use in stews and افضل بذور برسيم soups to add flavour and as a thickener. In Japan it is promoted through the health food store as a health tea. Young seed pods can be used in the same way as the okra.

The benefits of Egyptian spinach have been marketed since the time of Pharaohs. In the form of tea, it can increase your immunity and is also said to aid in treating constipation, cancer, anaemia, cystitis, diabetes, fatigue and high blood pressure high cholesterol, menopausal symptoms overweight, respiratory disorders and water retention. Tea made of leaves can help during the birth process and improve mothers' milk production. It is also used for treating eye sores cut, rashes and other irritations.

Because of their strong, long stalks The Corchorus genus has many members that can be grown for jute. Through the ages, the jute fibers were used to create a coarse yarn which was then made into rope and bagging fabric. The tallest, most unbranched, stems were the best choice to use for this. The stems were then soaked in vegetable matter for a few days to allow the fibers to turn brown. After that, the fibres were 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.