Seeds of the Malukhiyah plant (Corchorus olitorius)

Common name: Molokhia Scientific name: Corchorus olitorius Also known as: Maloukhiya Molokhia is a genus of flowering plants that includes 40 to 100 species, reaching a height of approximately 1 to 1.5 meters. Its leaves are alternate on the stem, green, with a pointed tip. The stems vary in length and are cultivated for their leaves, which are used to prepare the dish Molokhia. • Flower of the Molokhia plant: Small yellow flowers that produce a number of seeds. • Seeds of the Molokhia plant: Small, pyramid-shaped, black seeds. • Molokhia planting season: Preferably cultivated between February and October; in sandy soils, it can be planted from the end of January until mid-November, and in Upper Egypt regions, from mid-November to the end of December. • Suitable climate and soil for cultivating Molokhia: All types of soil are suitable, but good yields come from clayey lands. Molokhia is a summer plant that does not tolerate low temperatures. The appropriate temperatures are 30°C during the day and 25°C at night. It is sensitive to frost and drought and should be watered regularly. • Method of cultivating Molokhia: Reproduces through seeds planted at a depth of 1 cm from the soil surface. It can also be fertilized with organic fertilizer at least once to accelerate growth and development. • Benefits and uses: Used for eating, with many health benefits. • Native homeland of the Molokhia plant: Southern China.