Egyptian Spinach
Botanical Information
| Botanical Information | |
|---|---|
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Corchorus |
| Common Name | Egyptian Spinach, Molokhia, Jute Mallow, Jews' Mallow |
| Species | olitorius |
Maturity days
- 45-60 days
Planting Months
| Planting months | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
Permaculture uses
| Permaculture uses | ||
|---|---|---|
| Usage 1 | Usage 2 | Usage 3 |
| Vegetable | Chop & drop | Bee food |
Growing condition comments
| Growing Condition | Comment |
|---|---|
| Drought Tolerant | Moderate to high |
| Humidity tolerant | Yes, well-suited for Townsville's humid climate |
| Planting area | Garden bed, raised bed, container |
| Sunlight | Full sun, tolerates partial shade in hot Townsville summers |
Photos
| Photos |
|---|
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Recipes
Short comments
Heat-loving, fast-growing leafy green ideal for Townsville's tropical climate.
General comments
Ecology
Egyptian spinach thrives in Townsville's hot, humid climate. It's well-adapted to tropical conditions and can be grown year-round, with peak performance during the warmer months.
Uses
Primarily used as a nutritious leafy vegetable in soups, stews, and salads. Can be used as a chop-and-drop mulch in the garden.
Food
Young leaves can be eaten raw in salads, while older leaves are best cooked. Rich in vitamins and minerals.
Side Dishes
- Ohitashi: Quickly boil molokhia and serve as a simple Japanese side dish
- Sautéed Molokhia: Fry the leaves with coriander, garlic, and chili peppers for a flavorful side
Main Course Additions
- Pasta Enhancement: Incorporate chopped molokhia into pasta dishes for a nutritional boost.
Breakfast Options
- Smoothies: Blend fresh or frozen molokhia leaves into your morning smoothie for added nutrients.
- Egg Dishes: Add chopped molokhia to omelets or frittatas.
Salads and Raw Preparations
- Green Salads: Mix young, tender molokhia leaves into your favorite salad for a nutritional punch.
- Wraps and Sandwiches: Use fresh molokhia leaves as a nutrient-rich alternative to lettuce in wraps or sandwiches.
Dried Form
- Soup Thickener: Use dried molokhia leaves to thicken soups and stews
Planting Depth
Sow seeds 6mm deep in well-draining soil.
Inoculant
Not required.
Seed Saving Tips
Allow plants to flower and produce seed pods. Harvest pods when they turn brown and dry on the plant. In Townsville's climate, seed production is possible year-round.
