Oh My, It's Okra!
The Fruit We Didn't Realize
I've known very little about okra. I remember working the kitchen line and having to slice okra for our appetizer menu. I didn't like the slimy texture, nor the seeds inside of the oblong form. The stringy film with every julienne cut convinced me okra wouldn't be one of my favorite foods to eat.
As I prepared the okra for the egg wash and seasoned flour, I figured there was more to know about okra than disliking prepping them.
Whether you enjoy okra in gumbo, pot boils, stews, or fried, okra is packed with healthy benefits.
Okra is the seed pod of the Abelmoschus esculentus plant family. The mediocre food is known as "ladyfingers" because of the tube-like shape. Okra plants can grow upwards of eight feet tall.
You can enjoy different varieties of okra like Clemson, Spineless, Cajun Delight, and Louisana Green Velvet.
The low-carb food grows best in full sun and humid climates near the equator. The top five okra producing areas are India, Nigeria, Sudan, Pakistan, and Ghana. Okra is also grown in the southern United States such as in Florida.
Okra originates from Africa and South Asia. The green oblong-shaped fruit (yes, it's a fruit) is a common food in southern Africa, Caribbean, Indian and mid-eastern dishes.
Okra was introduced to the United States in the 1700s as a southern state staple.
Okra is packed with antioxidants!
Studies show antioxidant-packed foods help reduce inflammation as well as improve cardiovascular and brain functions.
Shockingly enough, okra is packed with antioxidants including phenolic compounds such as catechins and quercetin.
Researchers assume catechins and quercetins found in okra contain anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Research studies showed antioxidants and polyphenols can improve cardiovascular health and lessen oxidative damage.
Another four-year study of 1,000 participants who ate a polyphenol-enriched diet observed a decrease in lower inflammatory markers.
Okra protects your cardiovascular system.
Maintaining and monitoring your cardiovascular health is essential.
Did you know okra has the ability to reduce cholesterol in the blood vessels?
The thick film substance found in okra acts as a mucilage, or bonder, to eliminate cholesterol while digesting food. Then, the cholesterol transitions to stools rather than bodily absorption.
An eight-week study showed lower blood cholesterol levels after consuming okra powder on a high-fat diet.
Okra can also help control blood sugar! Studies have proved okra lowers sugar absorption.
Eating okra helps.
The hibiscus plant member is packed with folate, known as Vitamin B9, an essential vitamin for pregnant women. Folate is necessary for bodily improvement while pregnant.
A recommended serving for pregnant women is one cup equaling 15% daily nutrition.
Lectin found in okra can lower the growth of human cancer cells. Studies using antioxidant compounds, such as lectin, found in okra proved eating the seedy fruit can lower the growth of breast cancer cells by 63%.
Let's cook okra.
The best time of year to buy fresh okra is during the summer months between May and September. Fresh okra should be firm, but not hard. Your okra picking should have a bright green color with no blemishes.
Parts of the okra plant, such as the leaves, buds, flowers, and seeds are edible.
Many people prepare okra and eat it as a vegetable. You can enjoy okra fried, grilled, saute, and pan cook.
As I mentioned earlier, I'm not a fan of sticky mucilage. On the contrary, some cooks use mucilage as a natural thickener for stews and soups. Some foodies suggest soaking the okra in vinegar prior to cooking.
Alternatively, you can cook okra at a higher temperature to reduce mucilage.
Okra can be refrigerated for up to four days. You can portion and store okra in Ziploc bags and freeze it for up to one year.
Refer to a doctor prior to eating okra as it may interfere with prescribed medications.
What are your thoughts about okra?
What's your favorite way to prepare okra?
Let's talk!
About the Creator
Ashley Terrell
Bestselling author. Entrepreneur. Seasonings and spices saved my life. Where sheep and angels share the same color. Newport News, VA. Conqueror and lover of all things Fine Arts.
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