Molokhiya, The King of Vegetables

[Parvati Permaculture]

Does anyone have molokhiya growing in their garden, can it be grown here in the UK?

(Posted Image)

According to some internet sources, molokhiya means vegetable for King. During 6000 BC, a sick Egyptian King asked a bowl of hot soup, and found it tasty. After taking hot soup every day, the King's illness was healed. Cleopatra also enjoyed the same soup. The soup was the Egyptian spinach called molokhiya. We believe that this miracle vegetable originated in India and Egypt.

Molokhiya is known as the king of vegetables. Its carotene contents are 4.6 times more than spinach, which Popeye loved, and 19 times more than broccoli. Its calcium contents are 9 times more than spinach and 10 times more than broccoli. Even vitamins B1 and B2 are five times more compared to spinach. It contains much more Vitamin E, C, potassium, iron, and other vegetable fibers than any other vegetables

Molokhiya possesses properties that can boost our immune system to help prevent cancer, premature aging, osteoporosis, fatigue, high blood pressure, and anemia. Its vitamin contents moisturize our skin and make it soft and smooth, and resist early aging. Egyptian spinach is considered demulcent, diuretic, febrifuge and tonic.

In addition, the molokhiya's viscous texture is rich in soluble fiber. This dietary fiber has a cholesterol-lowering effect, relieves constipation, and prevents obesity and diabetes, including colorectal cancer and other lifestyle-related diseases.

Aside from these medicinal effects we know now, we are coming up in discovering more and more of its amazing health effects.

Green young leaves are used as vegetables just like okra or spinach, and are a good source of vitamins and other abundant nutrients. Dried leaves are used as soup thickener or jute tea

100 grams of Molokhiya leaves contains:
Carotene - 10,000 µg
Calcium - 500 mg
Potassium - 650 mg
Iron - 3.8 mg
Vitamin B1 - 0.24 mg
Bitamin B2 - 0.76mg

[Sally Anne Jakes]

Wow, cool plant, if it grows in the UK, maybe it would grow here (Chicago) in the summer too?