Molokhia, scientifically known as Corchorus olitorius, is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Tiliaceae family. Its green leaves are used in cooking, whether fresh or dried, and it is a popular leafy vegetable in many Arab countries.
Botanical Description
Molokhia is an annual herbaceous plant that grows between 60 and 90 cm in height. Its leaves are simple, undivided, oval to lanceolate in shape, with serrated edges, ranging from 6 to 10 cm in length. The stem is long, slender, and green, while the flowers are small and pale yellow. The seeds are enclosed within a capsule, and the root is short and taprooted.
Varieties
There are many varieties of Molokhia, with estimates suggesting around 100 different types. It is widely cultivated in several Arab countries, including Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, the Levant, and Sudan.
Health Benefits & Medicinal Uses
Molokhia is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, and calcium. It helps in:
Promoting digestive health
Boosting the immune system
Improving skin health and vision
Traditional medicine applications, such as treating constipation and digestive tract inflammation
Cultivation Methods & Planting Season
Molokhia grows best in well-drained soil and requires a warm climate with temperatures between 25°C and 30°C. The seeds can be sown in open fields or greenhouses, either scattered or in raised beds, with drip irrigation. The preferred planting period is from early March to late September in most regions.
Parts Used as Medicine
The leaves of Molokhia, whether fresh or dried, are used in both cooking and traditional remedies.
Active Compounds:
Molokhia contains mucilaginous substances in all parts of the plant, along with the previously mentioned vitamins and minerals, giving it nutritional and medicinal properties.
Export details to all parts of the world
Type: Whole and crushed leaves
Weight as per customer request.
Packed in bags.
Automated weighing, packaging, and filling.
Origin: Egypt
Whole leaves