Okra , known scientifically as Abelmoschus esculentus , is a veggie that ’s quite democratic in various cuisines around the world , specially in the Southern United States , Africa , the Middle East , India , and parts of Asia .

Okra is believe to have originated in Ethiopia or the upper Nile part in Northeast Africa . From there , it spread throughout the Middle East , North Africa , and South Asia .

It ’s a warm - season plant , thriving in hot climates . Okra plants can grow quite tall , with some variety get through up to 6 animal foot or more . The pods are the principal part eaten . They ’re harvested while still tenderise and immature because they can become fibrous and woody when they mature enceinte .

Okra has a balmy flavor , and the pods can be sautéed and serve with rice , stew with tomatoes , toss into soups and fret , stuffed , or pickle for extended use . In plus to cooking , the seeds can be roasted , land , and used as a spicy beverage and the pods can be dry out and grind into a flour for use as a thickener . In Indian culinary art , it ’s get it on as “ bhindi ” and can be cooked into curries , fried with spices , or stuffed with masala .

The leaves of the okra plant are also eatable and can be lightly sautéed or braise . Okra pairs well with meats such as poultry , chorizo , Baron Verulam , and beef , Chinese parsley , cilantro , muckle , Persea Americana , bell capsicum , tomatoes , onion , garlic , Musa paradisiaca , potato , and Sir Tim Rice . The pods should be harvested and used at once for proficient flavor , but they will also keep for 2 - 3 day when stored in a paper travelling bag in the icebox .

In the Southern U.S. , okra is often fried or used in gumbo , a stew that originated in Louisiana . In some cultures , okra is n’t just food for thought but carries emblematic meanings or is used in traditional medicine . For instance , in some African cultures , okra has been used in various rituals or as a symbol of fertility .

Okra is an excellent seed of vitamin A , C , and K , fiber , and also incorporate some magnesium , atomic number 19 , calcium , and folate . One of the biggest challenges people look when cooking okra is managing its slime . cookery methods like frying , roasting at high heat , or cooking with acidulous ingredients like tomatoes can reduce the mucilage .

Types of Okra

Clemson Spineless

Annie Oakley II

Emerald

Burmese

Red Burgundy

Jambalaya

Cow Horn

Louisiana Green Velvet

Perkins Long Pod

Star of David

Eagle Pass

Silver Queen

Hill Country Red

Gumbo

Pusa Makhmali