Corchorus olitorius (Jew’s Mallow) is an annual herb that is native to regions of Africa and Asia. It is widely grown on both continents and provides large populations with nutrition, important fibres and some medicinal benefit. Leaves are eaten like spinach or lettuce. Jew’s Mallow is easy to grow in tropical climates and is ready to eat in around 6 weeks. They also produce yellow flowers to attract bees into the garden.
The stems are used to make sack cloth, paper, yarn, rope, and clothing. Fresh leaves and fruits are eaten like vegetables and when dried the leaves can be added to teas and used as a soup thickener. Jew’s Mallow is also a rich source of Potassium, Iron, Calcium and Vitamins A, B6 and C.
In traditional medicine, this plant is used to treat aches and pains, dysentery, fevers, and tumours.
Other common names include Jute Mallow, Nalta Jute, Bush Okra, Tossa Jute, West African Sorrel and Egyptian Spinach.
Growth
Corchorus olitorius is grown as annual crop and can reach a height of up to 4 metres (15 feet). Jew’s Mallow enjoys moist soils in areas of either full sun or part shade. The ideal temperatures for rapid growth are between 16 and 27 °C (60 and 80 °F). The plant is not frost tolerant and can die in temperatures below 5°C / 41°F.
In commercial farming, when seedlings reach 10-25 cm (4-10 inches) in height they add cow manure, wood ashes or rotted hyacinth as a fertiliser. To acquire regular leaves for cooking at home, succession sowing should be made every two weeks.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Malvaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Sub Tropical & Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
16 to 27 °C / 60 to 80 °F
SOIL TYPE:
Is tolerant of most types of soil but prefers a well-draining soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun
HEIGHT:
Up to 4 metres (12 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 50 cm (2 feet)
pH:
5.5-8.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
6-8 weeks
GERMINATION RATES:
70-85%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-10 days
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 20 seeds
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes
FACTS ABOUT CORCHORUS OLITORIUS (Jew’s Mallow)
Jew’s Mallow is an underrated vegetable among western society. It is high in beta-carotene, calcium, iron, dietary fibre, and folic acid.
Since the 17th century, the British East India Company started trading in Jute. British jute barons grew rich processing jute and selling manufactured products made from jute.
