Blog entry by Hyman Staton
Egyptian
Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is getting very well-known as a
garden vegetable in our part of the world. It is also known as
Molokhia/Molokheiya, and many other names. It is thought to have
originated in Egypt prior to the time of Christ and has been an
essential food staple in the region from the time of the
Pharaohs. It is believed that the Egyptian name molokheiya refers
to a vegetable for the king', according to Wikipedia, an Egyptian
King in the year 6000 BC, requested hot soup because he was
unwell . After taking the hot soup daily, the illness was
treated. Cleopatra is also believed to have drank the same soup.
Egyptian Spinach as well as its numerous close connections grow
across Africa and the Middle East, India and numerous parts of
Asia. It can be located in all tropical and subtropical regions
of the globe.
It is cultivated as an annual. It will grow to about a meter tall it produces tiny yellow flowers, and produces edible seed pods, and edible leaves that are easily harvested. It is extremely durable and can grow quickly. It is a relative of okra that can be grown in many of the same conditions like Okra. But, it doesn't prefer shade.
Large Egyptian spinach plant growing up in green house lattice
Do you have a desire to grow some? It will grow in all soil types and is not particular about pH, however of course prefers a fertile moist soil. It will even do well in pots. Preparing the soil is as normal. Then, you plant seeds in the exact spot into the soil where they will thrive. The months of spring and autumn 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 up to 12 hours. When the plant is about 40cm tall, it is time to begin picking leaves. The seeds that develop on the plant, and then go to the ground and will not be able to germinate until the following year. Egyptian spinach is virtually pest and disease-free. Caterpillars and grazers share the leaves with you and during summer they can be affected by red spider mites. However, overall not too problematical. The seeds are currently available through BOGI seeds.
The leaves are rich in proteins, minerals, and vitamins. The younger leaves can be eaten raw in salads, in sandwiches, and older leaves can be dried or cooked. You can use leaves like spinach. In Egypt the leaves are cooked in a traditional soup with coriander, garlic and meat, in other places it is cooked into a stew that includes rice, cassava, and even chicken meat. There are many recipes available for this plant. Leaves can be dried , then powdered and made into tea. It can be to be used in future stews and soups to add flavour and as a thickener . It is available in Japan through health food stores as a nutritious and healthy tea. Young seed pods can be utilized the same way as Okra.
The benefits of Egyptian spinach have been promoted since the days of the Pharaohs. It is a drink that can improve the immune system. Tea made from leaves may aid in pregnancy and help increase mother's milk production. You can use it to treat eye irritation cut, rashes and other irritations.
Many species of the Corchorus genus are grown as a source of Jute since they have long, strong fibres in their stalks. This jute was used over the years to make coarse yarn. This was then used as rope or شركات بيع بذور الخضروات; click to find out more, as a sacking fabric. This was most effective with the highest and longest stems. The stems were soaked for some time so that the matter of the vegetable would begin to decay and the fibres would be easily removed, then washed, dried and sorted before being used. In some regions it is also possible for this fiber to be used to create paper. Corchorus Olitorius or Egyptian spinach is most effective as a leaf vegetable , whereas certain of its cousins are more suitable for the production of jute.