Blog entry by Fleta Snyder
Corchorus Olitorius Egyptian Spinach is a popular seasonal vegetable in our region. Molokhia/Molokheiya and many more names. It is believed that it has been first discovered in Egypt prior to Christ and has been a staple food since the time of the Pharaohs. Molokheiya, which is an Egyptian word that translates to "vegetable for king" is the Egyptian term used to describe the soup. Wikipedia states that a sick Egyptian King around 6000BC demanded hot soup. He was then healed after consuming hot soup daily. Cleopatra is also said to have enjoyed the same soup. Egyptian Spinach together with its many close relatives can be found all over Africa, India, and many other parts of Asia. It can be located in all tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
It can be grown as an annual. It can grow to about an metre high, has small yellow flowers and produces edible seeds that are shaped like pods. The edible leaves may also be harvested throughout the year. It is extremely tough and grows quickly. Being a relative of Okra, بذور جرجير many of the characteristics are in place. It is a fan of the heat and is able to handle dry and wet conditions (not in a waterlogged) however it doesn't appreciate the shade.
Large Egyptian spinach plant growing up in the green lattice of the house
Do you want to grow some? It will grow in all soil types and doesn't care about pH. However, it naturally prefers a fertile moist soil. It is also able to thrive in pots. Making the soil ready is normal. After that, plant seeds in the exact spot into the soil where they will thrive. Autumn and spring are the ideal times to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds will grow faster if soaked in hot, soapy water prior to planting. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for as long as 12 hours. Start picking leaves when the plant is 40cm high. The seeds which mature on the plant, then fall to the ground, will be dormant until the next year. Egyptian spinach is largely non-infested and pest-free. Caterpillars and grasshoppers will be sharing the leaves and in the heat of summer, they may be affected by red spider mites, but overall , it's not that problematic. BOGI Seeds currently offers seeds.
The leaves are extremely rich in nutrients, protein and minerals. The younger leaves can be used for sandwiches or salads, and the older leaves can be dried or cooked. You can use leaves in the same way as spinach. The leaves can be utilized in Egypt as a traditional soup which includes coriander, garlic and meat. In other areas it is made into a stew with cassava, rice, and chicken meat. This vegetable can be utilized in many ways. The leaves can be dried, and later ground into a tea. After the tea has been prepared, you can keep them in a container to make future soups or stews. It is available in Japan through health food stores as a healthy and nutritious tea. Young seed pods in the same manner as the okra.
The health advantages of Egyptian spinach have been marketed since the time of Pharaohs. It is a tea that will boost your immune system. Tea made of leaves can aid in child birth and increase the production of milk by mothers. Also, it can be used as a wash for sore eyes as well as cuts, rashes and scratch marks.
Many members of the Corchorus genus can be grown as a source of Jute due to their large, strong fibres that are found in their stalks. Over the centuries this jute was utilized to create a coarse yarn which was later transformed into rope and then a coarse sacking fabric. It was best made using the largest and least branched stems. Stems were then soaked for some time so that the vegetable matter would develop a rotting process and the fibres are easily removed. They were then washed, dried, and sorted for use. In some regions, this fibre can also be used to make 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 functions.