Botanical Name: Corchorus olitorius
Some other names: Egyptian spinach, Tossa jute, Jew’s Mallow
How to Grow It
Salad Mallow is an annual shrub-like plant that can reach 1.5–2 m in a single season. It grows upright with branching stems covered in tender green leaves and, by late summer, produces long, narrow seed pods.
Climate: Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, especially during the wet season, but will also grow in temperate zones over summer (just expect it to die back completely with winter frost).
Sun & soil: Loves full sun but will still produce in partial shade. It’s unfussy about soil, happily growing in anything from rich loam to boggy ground, though well-drained soil will give you the healthiest plants.
Water & drought: Salad Mallow will power through heavy rains but also tolerates dry spells once established — though it’s happiest with consistent moisture.
Planting & propagation: Sow seeds in spring, or even earlier in the tropics, for a long harvest season. The seeds germinate easily and, once you’ve grown it once, you might never need to sow again — it self-seeds prolifically when the rains come. If you only have one plant, it’s just as easy to start new ones from tip cuttings.
Container growing: A great choice for pots near the kitchen — it grows fast, stays leafy with regular picking, and produces a constant supply of fresh greens.
early enough & you can eat them.
Herbal & Nutrient Value
Salad Mallow isn’t just another leafy green — it’s a nutrient powerhouse and one of the best “survival greens” you can grow.
- Protein-rich: A rare trait for a leafy vegetable — Salad Mallow contributes a useful boost of plant protein.
- Packed with vitamins A, B, & C for immune support, energy, and eye health.
- Contains potassium, calcium, and phosphorus, which support strong bones, healthy muscles, and overall vitality.
Traditionally, Salad Mallow has been used as a tonic food in many parts of Africa and Asia. The mucilaginous quality of the leaves (a gentle thickening effect when cooked) is said to soothe digestion, support hydration, and help the body absorb nutrients more efficiently.
Traditional & Home Remedies
Molokhia soup in Egypt is believed to restore strength after illness.
Leaf poultice used for insect bites & burns.
Jute leaf tea used in folk medicine for constipation relief.
Using It in the Kitchen
The tender, juicy leaves of Salad Mallow are a kitchen dream — versatile enough for salads, stir-fries, soups, and more.
Flavour & texture: Mild, slightly grassy, with a pleasant hint of earthiness. When cooked, the leaves release a silky mucilage (similar to okra) that naturally thickens dishes.
Storage tips: Leaves are best used fresh but can be dried or frozen to add to soups and stews later.
Simple recipe ideas:
– Fresh Garden Salad: Toss a handful of Salad Mallow leaves with tomatoes, cucumber, and a simple vinaigrette for a refreshing summer salad.
– Rainy-Day Soup: Simmer chopped leaves into a vegetable or chicken broth to add nutrition and a natural thickener.
– Garlic Stir-Fried Tips: Flash-fry the tender growing tips with garlic, soy sauce, and chilli — done in minutes and delicious.
– Young Pod Curry: Pick the pods early and cook them like okra in a coconut curry or tomato-based stew.
– Winter Soup Booster: Dry leaves during the peak season, then crumble them into soups and casseroles in the cold months for extra vitamins and protein.
Other Uses
- Mulch & compost: Salad Mallow’s abundant foliage can be chopped and dropped as mulch or added to the compost heap for a nitrogen boost.
- Animal fodder: Chickens, ducks, and goats will happily eat the extra leaves.
- Soil helper: Its fast, dense growth shades soil, suppresses weeds, and helps retain moisture.
Why it’s a survival plant:
Feeds you when other greens fail – it thrives in hot, wet conditions where lettuces and spinaches collapse.
Incredibly productive – one plant will give you buckets of leaves, pods, and tips.
Self-seeding & low maintenance – plant it once, and you’ll probably have it for life.
Salad Mallow is one of the true “super greens” for a survival garden — easy, reliable, and delicious.
