Corchorus olitorius. Also known as Egyptian Spinach or Jute Mallow, these plants are easy to grow and love the sun...they are not bothered in the least by the summer heat, even in the low desert. Pretty shrubs can grow 3 feet tall or more if not cut for harvest. Grown widely in Africa and Asia, culinary use of molokhia goes back at least as far as the ancient Egyptians. Young leaves can be eaten raw, and older ones cooked as you would spinach. Leaves are rich in potassium, iron, and vitamins A, C, and B6, and are also said to have medicinal properties. These are warm season greens. Plant 1/4' deep and 4" apart into warm soil in a sunny location in spring or summer. Thin plants to 8-12" apart. Once plants reach 2' in height, harvest tender tops (about 6") to encourage branching. Harvest as needed. Plants continue to grow until cool weather. These annual plants are prolific seed producers in late summer and fall. Clip off seedpods after they turn dry and brown but before they split open and drop seeds. Roll between fingers to break open segments and release the beautiful velvety green seeds. Not from our Seed Bank collection, but your purchase supports our conservation mission. Approx. 0.2 g/100 seeds per packet.
