Chunch / चुंच / Jew’s Mallow / Molokhiya / Corchorus olitorius.L

  • Local Name: Chunch / चुंच
  • Common Name: Jew’s Mallow / Molokhiya
  • Botanical Name: Corchorus olitorius.L

Status & Habitat

  • Habitat: Herb

  • Occurrence: Farm bunds, Cultivated areas, Open areas

  • Season of Availability: June-July

  • Geography: South Asia and Africa

  • Method of Propagation: Seed propagation

  • Part used for Propagation: Seeds

Edible Parts

  • Edible Parts: Leaves

  • Can be Eaten Raw: No

Method of Consumption

  • Raw: No

  • Ripe: N/A

  • Both Raw & Ripe: No

  • Dangerous Form to Consume: Raw plant

  • As Food: Leaves may be eaten raw or cooked; used as a thickening agent; used in salads or brewed into tea.

  • As Medicine: Plant infusion is used to increase appetite and strength and has anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Cooking Method: Leaves may be eaten raw or cooked; used as a thickening agent; used in salads or brewed into tea.

  • Preservation / Curing Technique: N/A

  • Does Require Another Plants to be cooked together: No

  • Souring Agents Required: N/A


Nutritional & Medicinal Benefits

  • Nutritional Benefit: Anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective properties.

  • Medicinal Benefit: Helps increase appetite and strength, has anti-inflammatory properties.

Tribal Wisdom

  • Tribal Wisdom: Plant infusion is used to increase appetite and strength and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Recipes / Usage

  • Tribal Recipe / Usage: Fibres are cured, dried and then used in textiles.