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Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, بذور برسيم حجازي للبيع is getting very well-known as a vegetable for summer in the United States and around the world. It's known by many different names. Molokhia/Molokheiya (and several other ways to spell it), salad mallow, Jute mallow, Jew's Mallow and West African sorrel to name just some. It is believed to have originated in Egypt in the early days of Christ and was a staple food there since the time of the Pharaohs. It is believed that the Egyptian name molokheiya refers to "vegetables suitable for the king', according to Wikipedia, an Egyptian King, in the year 6000 BC, requested hot soup after being sick. After drinking the hot soup every day the illness was treated. Cleopatra could have also savored the same soup. Egyptian Spinach along with its close relatives can be found in Africa, India, and various other parts of Asia. It is a common plant in subtropical and tropical areas across the globe.

It is possible to grow it in the form of an annual. It can grow to about one meter in height. It it bears tiny yellow flowers and produces edible seeds that are shaped like pods. The edible leaves can be harvested throughout the year. It is extremely tough and grows quickly. It is a relative to okra and grows in the same conditions like the okra. However, it doesn't like shade.

large Egyptian spinach plant growing on lattice in green house

Do you wish to grow some? It is able to grow in any soil type and does not care about pH, however of course prefers a fertile moist soil. Pots are also possible. Making the soil ready is normal. Then, you plant seeds in the exact spot where they will grow. Autumn and spring are the best times to plant. Egyptian spinach seeds can germinate faster if they are placed in warm, soapy water before planting. Isabel Shipard suggests soaking for as long as 12 hours. Pick leaves as soon as the plant has reached 40 cm tall. The seeds that grow on the plant, then fall to the ground, will remain dormant until next year. Egyptian spinach is relatively healthy and free of pests and diseases. The leaves are able to be used in conjunction with grasshoppers and caterpillars, but are not likely to become affected with red spider mites. BOGI Seeds currently has seeds available.

The leaves are high in vitamin and mineral content. Younger leaves can be consumed raw in salads, or on sandwiches, and older leaves can be dried or cooked. Take leaves like spinach. In Egypt the leaves are cooked in traditional soups made with coriander, garlic and meat. In other areas it is made into a stew made with cassava, rice and chicken meat. There are numerous recipes for this plant. Leaves can be dried and then powdered and used as tea. They can also be to be used in future stews and soups for extra flavour and as a thickener . In Japan it is marketed through the health food store as a nutritious tea. Young seed pods are used in the same way as Okra.

The benefits of Egyptian spinach have been promoted from the time of the Pharaohs. It is a tea which can improve the immune system. Tea made from the leaves can aid in childbirth and increase mothers' milk production. It is also used as for washing eyes, rashes, cuts and abrasions.

A variety of species belonging to the genus Corchorus are used as a source of jute as they have thick, sturdy fibres in their stalks. Jute was utilized over the years to make coarse yarn that could later be used as rope or as a sacking fabric. This was most effective with the highest and longest stems. Stems were then soaked for several days in order that the vegetable matter would decay and the fibres would be easily removed, then washed, dried, and sorted for use. The fibre is also used to make paper in certain areas. Corchorus Olitorius is also known as Egyptian spinach, is best utilized to create jute. However, some of its relatives can also be used for other reasons.