Choice and storage
Recent, immature okra pods will be available within the shops year-round. The pods function an attractively wealthy inexperienced shade and have a impartial taste. Within the markets, search for crispy, immature pods.
Keep away from these with over-mature, sunken, discolored, spots, cuts, and mushy.
As soon as at dwelling, eat them whereas they’re recent to acquire the total advantages of nutritional vitamins and antioxidants. They might additionally keep nicely for 1-2 days when positioned within the fridge.
Preparation and serving strategies
Some hybrid forms of okra might have been subjected to insecticide/pesticide sprays. Due to this fact, wash the pods totally in
the chilly water so as to take away dust, soil, and any residual pesticides.
Trim the highest stem finish utilizing a paring knife. Though not required, some might desire trimming tip ends as nicely. Then, lower/slice the pod as desired within the cooking.
Listed here are some serving suggestions:
Pickled gumbo pods with child corn, and beans. Picture courtesy: wharman |
Okra pod stir fry with onion, tomato, and inexperienced chilies. |
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Okra pods are one of many extensively used greens in tropical international locations. Chopped, or sliced, they are often stewed or fried (fritters) underneath low warmth oil to melt their mucilaginous texture. They then will be blended with different greens, rice, or meat.
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Within the Caribbean islands, okra is cooked and loved in soup, usually with fish.
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Recent okra pods usually function within the “Louisiana state delicacies”, used as a thickener in seafood gumbos. This mucilaginous vegetable is normally cooked first, and different substances are added as soon as the specified consistency is reached
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The pods will be pickled and preserved like in different greens.
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Tender okra leaves could also be cooked in an analogous method because the greens of beets or dandelions. The leaves will also be eaten uncooked in salads.
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Thick stew of lamb or beef and okra (bamiya) is a well-liked dish in Egypt and different Center Japanese areas.
Security profile
Insecticide sprays are typically utilized over okra crops. Due to this fact, it is suggested to clean them in chilly working water earlier than use.
Okra is a protected and nutritious vegetable for most individuals and well-tolerated when consumed as a part of a balanced food plan. (Medical Disclaimer).
≻≻-Again to Greens from Okra. Go to right here for a powerful record of greens with full illustrations of their diet information and well being advantages.
≻≻-Again to Residence web page.
Additional Sources:
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Vegetable listing page- College of Illinois extension.