Okra

Okra

  • +Description

    Okra is a member of the Mallow family, related to cotton and hibiscus. Okra is found on the banks of the Nile and the Egyptians were the first to cultivate it. Okra is an annual tropical herb cultivated for its edible green seed pod. The seed pods are long, usually with ribs down its length. These tender, unripe seed pods are used as a vegetable and have a unique texture and bittersweet flavour.

  • +Availability

    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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    Okra is available from Thailand and India.

  • +Main nutrients

    Beta-carotene, Calcium, Folic Acid, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium Vitamin A, B3 and C.

Main varieties

  • Okra

    Okra

    The seed pods are long, usually with ribs down its length. These tender, unripe seed pods are used as a vegetable and have a unique texture and bittersweet flavour.

    View Okra

Preparation

Preparation

For cooking the okra, first wash them and cut off the stems. These are tough, with little flavour. When cut, the pods exude a juice that is used to thicken stews. Okra has the quality that it is slimy and sticky, it is supposed to be that way. You can’t get rid of this by soaking or overcooking. When eating raw whole okra, use the cap as a handle and bite up to the cap.

Consumption

Okra can be consumed raw, marinated or as a independent vegetable. It is commonly used as a natural thickening agent for stews and soups.

When to eat

The best tasting okra is green, soft and about 5 to 10 centimetres long. Big okra’s have a flat taste, and may be too tough to eat. Okra’s with soft, brown spots should not be eaten.

Did you know?

  • Okra is also known as: Lady fingers, Gombo, Bendi, Bhindi, Okro, Bamieh, Gumbo and Quiabo, Okura.
  • Okra seed was used as a substitute for coffee beans during World War 2.
  • Okra plants were used to produce rope and paper.
  • Okra is great for adding bounce to your hair. Boil horizontally sliced okra till the brew becomes maximally slimy. Cool it and add a few drops of lemon and put it in your hair. After a few minutes, wash out and your hair will be bouncy

 

Eat Me - Okra

 

 

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