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The Hilarious Complete Guide and Care Tips for Growing Molokhia Plant
Have you ever heard of the molokhia plant? If not, then you are probably missing out on one of the most interesting plants in the world.
This green leafy vegetable is not only delicious but also has a rich cultural history.
It is widely grown in North Africa and the Middle East, especially in Egypt, where it is considered to be a national dish.
What is Molokhia?
Molokhia (Corchorus olitorius) belongs to the jute family and is an annual herbaceous plant that can grow up to 3 meters tall.
The leaves are dark green and have a slightly bitter taste.
When cooked, they become soft and slimy with a texture similar to okra.
If you want to grow this unique plant in your garden, here’s what you need:
- A sunny location with well-draining soil
- Molokhia seeds
- Fertilizer
- Watering can
- Gardening tools like shovels or hoes
Care Tips for Growing Molokhia Plant
Growing molokhia can be quite easy if you follow these tips:
Planting :
- Sow the seeds directly into your garden bed after all danger of frost has passed.
Soil :
- The soil should be fertile, well-drained loamy or sandy soil with pH around 6-7.
Sunlight :
- Select an area that receives full sunlight.
Watering :
- The plant requires consistent moisture.
Water the plant well, and then wait for the soil to dry a little before watering again.
During hot summer days, you may need to water it more frequently.
Fertilizer :
- Apply fertilizer before planting and again after the first harvest.
Use compost or an organic fertilizer high in nitrogen to promote leafy growth.
Harvesting Molokhia
You can start harvesting molokhia when the plants are about 15-20cm tall.
Simply cut off the top leaves, leaving at least 5-10cm of stem on each plant so they can continue growing.
To get more tender leaves, harvest them at an earlier stage of growth – around 10 cm tall.
Molokhia Recipe Ideas
If you have never tried this vegetable before, here are some recipe ideas that will make your taste buds dance:
- Molokheya Soup – a hearty soup made from chicken broth or beef broth with garlic and rice served over toasted bread cubes.
- Molokheya Stew – a stew made from lamb or beef cooked with onions and garlic until tender then mixed with molockheya broth.
- Fried Molokheya Leaves – lightly fried leaves served as a side dish
Conclusion
In conclusion, growing molohkia is easy if you follow these simple tips: choose a sunny location with well-drained soil; sow seeds directly into your garden bed after all danger of frost has passed; keep consistent moisture levels by watering regularly; apply fertilizer before planting and again after the first harvest to promote leafy growth; and finally, harvest your crop when the plants are about 15-20cm tall.
You will enjoy not only a delicious vegetable but also a rich cultural history that comes with it.