Okra: THE Southern Staple
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Okra season in Texas typically runs from June through September, with August being the peak (and when bumper crops come). This is the time of year when okra is most plentiful and has the best flavor. They're practically everywhere! You can find okra at your local grocery store, farmers’ market, roadside stand, or even direct from local farms when they post on their social media channels. Now is also the best time to buy okra on the cheap and pickle/bottle your own as they're so cheap. One of the perks to buying seasonally and locally is that you're going to be getting the freshest produce at the lowest prices.
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What is Okra?
Okra, also known as Abelmoschus esculentus, is a flowering plant in the mallow family. Native to Africa, okra is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The edible seed pods of the okra plant are what we typically think of when we think of okra.
These pod are long and slender, and usually green, although they can also be white or yellow. The pods are used in a variety of cuisines, and are especially popular in Southern cooking.
Okra, also known as ladies’ fingers, is a green, slimy vegetable that is popular in Southern cooking. Did I say popular? I mean, it's REALLY popular, so popular in fact that 4 out of 5 get togethers that feature Southern cuisine will probably have okra in one form or another. I mean, you can't have gumbo without okra right? Or a family get-together without some fried okra. But I get ahead of myself.
This Texas staple is low in calories, but high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Okra is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. It is also a good source of soluble fiber, which can help to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
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What Does It Taste Like?
Okra has a slightly mucilaginous or "slimey" texture, which some people find off-putting. The flavor is somewhat earthy and grassy, with a hint of bitterness. When cooked, okra can be eaten on its own or used as an ingredient in soups, stews, curries, and casseroles.
The slimy texture comes from the mucilage in the okra pods, which is actually a type of soluble fiber. This same mucilage can also be used as a natural thickener for soups and stews.
So if you're worried about the sliminess, don't be! Cooking okra will usually get rid of that texture or transform it into something else. For example, if you add okra to your stews, the stew won't become slimy, instead, it will have this amazing thick texture. When deep frying okra, that sliminess transforms into a pleasing crunch that you can't find anywhere else.
How High Heat Changes Okra
Okra has a naturally slimy texture due to the mucilage in the okra pods. This same mucilage can also be used as a natural thickener for soups and stews. When cooked at high temperatures, however, the slime breaks down and the okra becomes more palatable. The texture becomes less slimy and more crunchy, making it a great addition to fried dishes. So if you're worried about the sliminess, don't be! Cooking okra at high temperatures will usually get rid of that texture.
How to Select and Store Okra
When selecting okra, look for pods that are 2-3 inches long and have a bright green color. Avoid okra that is yellow or brown, as this indicates that it is overripe. Okra is best used within a few days of purchase, as it will start to deteriorate after that. To store, place okra in a perforated plastic bag and keep it in the refrigerator.
If you want to extend the shelf life of your okra, you can pickle it or bottle it. This is a great way to have okra on hand all year round, and it makes a great gift for the foodies in your life.
How to Cook Okra
There are many different ways to cook okra, so feel free to get creative! Some of the most popular methods include frying, boiling, pickling, and stewing. Here are some of our favorite things to do with okra. If you're looking for
Deep Fried Okra
Deep Fried Okra is a Southern classic. The okra is coated in a batter or cornmeal (how long does cornmeal last?) and then deep fried until golden brown. This dish is usually served as a side, but can also be eaten as a snack. Deep Fried Okra is often served with dipping sauces like ranch dressing or hot sauce (how long does hot sauce last?). If you're looking for a tasty and easy way to cook okra, give Deep Fried Okra a try!
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Okra Stir Fry
Okra Stir Fry is a quick and easy way to cook okra. The okra is stir fried with vegetables like onions, peppers, and tomatoes. You can also add meat to the stir fry if you desire. This dish is usually seasoned with garlic, ginger, and other spices. Okra Stir Fry is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and can be served as a side dish or main course. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give Okra Stir Fry a try!
Grilled or Roasted Okra
Grilled Okra (What wine goes well with grilled okra?) is a delicious and healthy way to cook okra. The okra is grilled over high heat or roasted in the oven until it is slightly charred. This dish can be served as a side or main course. Grilled Okra is often served with dipping sauces like ranch dressing or hot sauce. If you're looking for a unique and tasty way to cook okra, give Grilled or Roasted Okra a try!
Gumbo
Gumbo is a classic Louisiana dish that typically contains okra. The okra is cooked in a roux-based stew with meats and vegetables. Gumbo is often served over rice or with a side of bread. If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, give Gumbo a try!
Pickled Okra
Pickled Okra is a Southern classic. The okra is pickled in a vinegar-based solution and then canned or jarred. This dish is often served as a side or appetizer. Pickled Okra can also be used as a condiment for other dishes. If you're looking for a unique and tasty way to cook okra, give Pickled Okra a try!
Okra Stew
Okra Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that is typically made with stewed tomatoes and okra. Other vegetables and meats can also be added to the stew. This dish is usually seasoned with garlic, ginger, and other spices. Okra Stew is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and can be served as a side
Shrimp and Okra Stew
Shrimp (What wine goes well with shrimp?) and Okra is a classic Southern dish. The okra is cooked in a shrimp-based stew with vegetables. This dish is often served over rice or with a side of bread. If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, give Shrimp and Okra a try!
No matter how you choose to cook it, okra is a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal. So head to your local farmer’s market or grocery store and pick up some okra today!
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What About the Okra Seeds?
Okra seeds (how long do seeds last?) are actually quite nutritious and can be eaten raw, roasted, or ground into a powder. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and minerals like iron and magnesium. You can find okra seeds in the same place you would find the pods – at your local farmer's market or grocery store.
To roast okra seeds, simply place them on a baking sheet and roast at a high temperature until they are browned.
You can then add them to soups, stews, or curries for a nutritional boost.
If you want to grind them into powder, you can use a coffee grinder or food processor. This powder can be used as a thickener for soups and stews or as a flavor enhancer for other dishes.
So next time you're cooking with okra, don't forget to save the seeds!
Is Okra Nutritious?
Okra is a nutritional powerhouse! It is low in calories but high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Okra is a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin K, as well as a good source of folate. It also contains minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. The soluble fiber in okra has been shown to help lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels.
So if you're looking for a healthy and delicious addition to your diet, look no further than okra and the nutrition it packs!
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