Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is getting very well-known as a garden vegetable in our part of the world. You can call it Molokhia/Molokheiya, and many other names. It is believed that it originated in Egypt prior to the time of Christ and has been a staple food there since the time of Pharaohs. Molokheiya, an Egyptian term which translates to "vegetable for kings", is the Egyptian name for the soup. Wikipedia states that an ill Egyptian king around 6000BC requested hot soup, and was healed through the consumption of hot soup on a daily basis. Cleopatra is also said to have enjoyed the same soup. Egyptian Spinach, along with its numerous close relatives can be found all over Africa, India, and numerous other regions of Asia. It is found throughout the subtropical and tropical areas of the world.



It is grown as an annual. It grows to about a meter tall it produces tiny yellow flowers, produces edible seed pods as well as edible leaves that can be continually harvested. It is extremely hardy and is able to grow rapidly. It is a cousin of okra that can be grown in the same conditions as okra. It does not like shade.


large Egyptian spinach plant growing on lattice in green house


Are you interested in establishing one? It is able to grow in any type of soil and does not care about pH. However, it prefers fertile soil that is damp. Pots are also possible. The preparation of the soil is normal. After that, plant the seeds directly where they will grow. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds develop faster if placed in warm, soapy water before planting. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for up to 12 hours. When the plant is approximately 40cm high, you are able to begin picking leaves. The seeds that develop on the plant, then disappear to the earth, will not be able to germinate until the following year. Egyptian spinach is relatively healthy and free of pests and diseases. The leaves can be used in conjunction with grasshoppers and caterpillars, but they are unlikely to be infected by red spider mites. Seeds are currently available from BOGI seeds.



The leaf is rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein. The younger leaves can be used in sandwiches or salads and the older leaves can either be cooked or dried. Leaves can be used in similarly to spinach. The leaves can be utilized in Egypt as a traditional soup which includes coriander, garlic, and meat. In other regions it can be cooked into a stew that includes cassava, rice, or chicken meat. There are many recipes available for this plant. Leaves can be dried then powdered and made into a tea, stored for future use in stews and soups to add flavor and اسعار بذور البرسيم to thicken the dish . In Japan it is marketed through health food stores as a health tea. You can use young seed pods the same way as okra.



The benefits of Egyptian spinach have been marketed from the time of the Pharaohs. It is a tea that can improve your immunity. Tea made of leaves is believed to help in the child's birth and increase milk production for mothers. It is also used to treat rashes, sore eyes or rashes as well as cuts, bruises and cuts.



Due to the length of their stalks, which are strong and long the Corchorus genus's members can be grown to make Jute. Jute was used throughout the centuries to make coarse yarn, which was then used to make rope or as a sacking fabric. This was best done with the largest and least branched stems. The stems were then soaked in vegetable matter for several days to allow the fibers to turn brown. After that, the fibres could be easily removed, and اسعار بذور البرسيم later cleaned and dried. The fibre is also used for paper production in certain areas. Corchorus Olitorius, also known as Egyptian spinach is best utilized as a leaf vegetable , whereas others of its relatives are better used for jute production.