Edible Mallow

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Among the plants of the Malvaceae family that adorn village front gardens, there are species that have been successfully eaten by many peoples of the world since ancient times. They are unpretentious, drought-resistant, grow without any care

Multiple names

Depending on the place of growth, the same plant is called differently, converging in one thing that it is "bread".

The most famous names: Jew Mallow, Bush Okra, Jute, Molochea.

Earthly manna

In difficult moments in the history of the people chosen by God, the Almighty always comes to their aid, saving them from hunger with the simplest plants on Earth.

During 40 years of wandering in the deserts of Egypt, He sent them "manna from heaven", which, as modern researchers believe, had nothing to do with the sky, but was an earthly plant. Grains of edible lichen, this amazing symbiosis of algae and fungus, was rolled by a crazy wind along the way with sand over the vast expanses, giving people the opportunity to reinforce their strengths with high-calorie food.

But the people were also rescued by the "manna of the earth" - the Malva plant. Leaves and fruits were used for food, similar to small loaves of sliced bread. Back in the 1st century BC, the Jewish king Alexander Yanai, who threw a feast for the capture of 60 cities, exhibited dishes from Malva as a treat in order to honor the memory of the ancestors who ate this plant.

True, Yanai was a religious apostate who started a civil war among the Jews, in the course of which the nation lost 50 thousand people. Although he repented of his deeds before his death, the day of his death is a reason for the joy of people who study Torah.

Malwa helped the Jews to survive in the Arab besieged Jerusalem in 1948. The leaves were prepared in a similar way to spinach. So that people knew how to properly cook Mallow, which is slippery and unpleasant in its raw form, the recipes were told on the radio. The Arabs, having heard such transmissions, were already preparing for victory, realizing how difficult the situation of the besieged was, if they began to eat the food of the poor and donkeys. Upon learning of this, such programs were stopped, and the recipes were passed from mouth to mouth by special runners.

Celebrating Independence Day, Jerusalemites today are sure to prepare dishes from Malva.

What is Malva rich in?

The high levels of polysaccharides give Mallow leaves a slimy texture that may not be to everyone's taste. Although fresh leaves are used in salads, they are more often subjected to heat treatment, preparing soups, sauces for meat and fish dishes.

The stalk of Mallow is used for the production of textile fiber, which is mainly used for the manufacture of packaging products, very strong ropes, and cardboard. The availability of raw materials, ease of production, low costs make Malva a very attractive plant for entrepreneurs. Jute packaging materials are much more environmentally friendly than plastic wrap.

Mallow leaves contain 80% water, 12.4% carbohydrates, 5.3% protein, 2% fiber and 0.3% fat.

Leaves are an excellent source of vitamins "A", "B", "C"; calcium, iron, phosphorus, essential amino acids and minerals. They have a diuretic ability, promote wound healing, help relieve swelling, strengthen hair, and prevent obesity.

Mallow seeds have antibacterial properties, increase appetite, add strength and energy to the body.

It is surprising that with such plant abilities, many people consider Mallow a weed, since it grows everywhere, without being picky about living conditions.

Of course, if you create favorable conditions for Malve, giving her a place on soil rich in nitrogen and moisture, then her abilities and external beauty will manifest themselves much brighter and more efficiently.