Ewedu is a green vegetable widely used in West African, Middle Eastern, and North African cuisines. When cooked, it is slimy in a somewhat similar way to okra.
In Nigerian households, we usually eat ewedu with amala (yam flour swallow) and a variety of soups or stews.
What is Ewedu?
Ewedu is also known as jute leaves or molokhia in the Middle East. Its botanical name is Corchorus olitorius. The leaves are usually blended or whisked into a smooth soup and seasoned with traditional spices.
In Nigerian cuisine, ewedu is often served as a complement to gbegiri (bean soup).
Can I Grow It at Home?
Yes, it can be done especially if you leave in an area with warm weather and have a garden or pots.
- Planting: Remember to place the seeds directly in well-drained soil or a pot with enough sunlight.
- Watering: Try and keep the soil moist but don’t get carried away and make it waterlogged.
- Harvesting: You will be surprised how quickly you can start harvesting the leaves (it’s very quick usually around 30–45 days after planting). It is one of those plants that you can harvest multiple times. The more you pluck the leaves, the more new ones will grow.
How is It Used?
Ewedu is used in different ways. You can add the leaves to stews, sauces, rice, and yam porridge. When I make Nigerian Ewedu soup, naturally it is the key ingredient in this soup.
How to Prepare Ewedu
The first thing to do is to clean the leaves and remove all dirt. The last thing you want is to taste a pinch of sand in your soup or stew. After that, boil the leaves with a little water until it is tender. Then, use your blender to grind the cooked leaves into a smooth form. You can use a whisk to stir if you like.
One you have it in the smooth form then you can add ground crayfish, stock cubes, salt, and pepper to give it some taste.
Does It Have Any Health Benefits
Ewedu includes Vitamins A, C, and E. It is also high in calcium, fiber, iron and includes antioxidants that protects the body from stress and inflammation.
Does Ewedu Expire?
Yes, like most vegetables, Ewedu will spoil over time. Of course fresh leaves start to get bad faster, while dried or powdered forms last longer but even those can also expire eventually.
How to Store Ewedu
When the leaves are fresh, do not wash them. Just go ahead and wrap them in a damp paper towel or even a damp cloth, and leave them in your fridge for up to 3–5 days.
If you have already gone ahead and cooked them, then just put them in an airtight container or Ziplock bag and place them in your fridge for up to 2–3 days.
If you are thinking more along the lines of long-term storage, then cook the leaves partially then freeze them (blanch) in a container for about 3 months.
What Should I Look for When Buying These Leaves?
Like most vegetables, I would say look out for green leaves. If you notice any form of yellowing, wilting, or mold, then you should skip the purchase.
What Can I Use Instead of Ewedu?
If ewedu is unavailable, there are a few great substitutes to try. You can use Okra or Spinach. Okra will give you a similar slimy texture. Spinach, on the other hand, won’t have the slimy texture but it is still a good replacement.
