Description
Okra
Okra, also known as ladies’ fingers or gumbo, is a green, finger-shaped vegetable widely used in cooking, especially in African, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Southern U.S. cuisines.
Basic Description:
Botanical name: Abelmoschus esculentus
Appearance: Long, ridged pods usually 2–6 inches in length, tapering at one end; vibrant green in color.
Texture: Firm outside; contains small, edible white seeds and a mucilaginous (slimy) interior when cut.
Flavor: Mild and slightly grassy with a subtle bitterness when raw, but takes on a richer, earthier taste when cooked.
Culinary Uses:
Commonly used in stews (like gumbo), soups, stir-fries, and curries.
Can be fried, sautéed, boiled, roasted, or pickled.
The mucilage (slime) acts as a natural thickener in dishes.
Nutritional Info:
Low in calories.
High in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate.
Contains antioxidants and may help regulate blood sugar levels.