Oriental Frozen Vegetables: Molokhia, Okra, Artichoke and Green Beans

Walk into a supermarket in London, Berlin, Dubai or Toronto and you will find a growing freezer section of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean vegetables: molokhia, okra, artichoke bottoms, green beans and more. Demand is driven by diaspora communities, the popularity of Levantine and Egyptian cuisine and the convenience of ready-to-cook ingredients. Egypt is the natural origin for these “oriental” frozen vegetables. Here is what importers should know.

Why oriental frozen vegetables are growing

• Large and growing Arab, Turkish, Mediterranean and African communities worldwide
• Mainstream interest in Middle Eastern food and plant-based dishes
• Busy consumers who want authentic dishes without hours of preparation
• Restaurants and caterers that need consistent ingredients year-round

Frozen molokhia

Molokhia (Corchorus olitorius, also called jute mallow) is a leafy green that is finely minced and cooked into a silky soup with garlic and coriander — one of Egypt’s most iconic dishes. Fresh molokhia is seasonal and labour-intensive to prepare, so frozen minced molokhia is the preferred format for most consumers and restaurants abroad.

Golden Roots frozen molokhia is freshly picked, washed, finely minced and rapidly frozen to keep its deep green colour and flavour. It is available in 400 g and 1 kg retail packs and 10 kg bulk, with private label available. Dried molokhia leaves are also available — see dried molokhia.

IQF okra

Okra (bamia) is used in stews across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and the Caribbean. Buyers usually prefer small pods, which are tender and keep their shape after cooking. Egyptian okra is graded by length — the premium small Baladi grade is around 1–3 cm, with larger grades also available. Pods are washed, trimmed, blanched and individually quick frozen.

See our IQF okra specifications: HS code 0710.80, Balady and other varieties, May–September season, 400 g / 1 kg retail bags and 10 / 20 kg bulk.

IQF artichoke bottoms

Artichoke bottoms (hearts) are a delicacy in Egyptian, Levantine and Mediterranean cuisine — stuffed, stewed with peas and carrots or added to salads. Preparing fresh artichokes is time-consuming, which makes cleaned, trimmed frozen bottoms especially valuable for restaurants and home cooks. Discover our IQF artichoke bottoms.

IQF green beans

Green beans are a staple in Middle Eastern stews (fasolia) as well as in mainstream cooking. Egyptian beans are harvested young, trimmed, cut, blanched and frozen to stay tender and bright green. See IQF green beans.

Complementary products

Many importers build a complete oriental frozen range with peas & carrots, green peas, mixed vegetables and fruits such as guava and mango — all available from Golden Roots in a single mixed container.

Specification checklist

For all products, request residue and microbiological testing appropriate to your market and confirm that bags and cartons carry the required labelling in your language.

Packing and shipping

Retail packs of 400 g and 1 kg are the most popular, with bulk 10–20 kg packs for food service and repacking. All products are shipped in reefer containers at –18 °C, with mixed containers possible to help importers manage stock across several items.

Build your oriental frozen range with a trusted Egyptian partner — see our frozen vegetables or request a mixed-container offer.

Frequently Asked Questions