Egyptian Spinach, Corchorus olitorius, is growing in popularity as a vegetable for بذور برسيم حجازي للبيع summer in the United States and around the world. Molokhia/Molokheiya or many other names. It is believed that it has been discovered in Egypt prior to Christ and was a staple food since period of the Pharaohs. Molokheiya, which is an Egyptian term that means "vegetable for king" is the Egyptian name for the soup. Wikipedia says that a sick Egyptian King around 6000BC demanded hot soup and was healed by drinking hot soup regularly. Cleopatra may have also enjoyed the similar soup. Egyptian Spinach along with its many close relatives, grows throughout Africa, India, and several other parts of Asia. It grows in the majority of subtropical and tropical zones across the globe.

It is grown as an annual. It can grow to about a metre tall, gets small yellow flowers, has edible seed pods, and edible leaves that can be continuously harvested. It is very hardy and fast growing. It is a relative of okra that can be grown in many of the same conditions like okra. It does not need shade.

huge Egyptian spinach plant growing on lattices in green house

Do you wish to grow some? It can grow in any type of soil and doesn't mind pH. It prefers soil with a fertile pH that is well-drained. Pots are also an option. Prepare your soil in your usual manner, then plant the seeds directly where they will grow The ideal time for planting is between the seasons of spring and fall. Egyptian spinach seeds will sprout better if soaked in hot water before planting for at minimum a couple of minutes. Isabel Shipard recommends soaking for at least 12 hours. Start picking leaves when the plant is 40 centimeters high. The seeds that mature on the plant, and then fall to the ground, will be dormant until the next year. Egyptian spinach is fairly disease and pest free. The leaves can be shared with grasshoppers and caterpillars, but they are not likely to become infected by the red spider mites. BOGI Seeds currently has seeds available.

The leaf is rich in minerals, vitamins and protein. Younger leaves can be consumed raw in salads or sandwiches, and older leaves can be cooked or dried. Leaves can be used in like spinach. In Egypt the leaves are used in a soup made of garlic, coriander and meat, in other regions it is cooked into a stew with rice, cassava and chicken meat. There are many recipes available for this plant. Leaves can be dried , then powdered to make tea. It can be preserved for use in stews and soups for extra flavor and to thicken the dish . In Japan it is advertised in health food stores as a healthy tea. You can use young seed pods the same way as the okra.

Since the time of the Pharaohs, Egyptian spinach has been promoted as having health benefits. It is a tea which can increase the immune system. Tea made from leaves is believed to aid during the birth of a child and boost the amount of milk produced by mothers. It can also be used to wash eyes that are irritated or rashes, cuts, and abrasions.

Because of their long, sturdy stalks, many Corchorus genus members can be grown for Jute. The jute fibers were used over time to create coarse yarn, which could later be used as rope, and also as sacking fabric. This was best done with the highest and longest stems. The stems were then soaked in vegetable matter for several days, allowing the fibres to turn brown. After that, the fibres could be easily removed, and later washed and dried. The fibre is also used to make paper in some regions. Corchorus olitorius or Egyptian spinach is best utilized as a vegetable for leaf production, while some of its other relatives are ideal to make jute.