Okras
Okra known as ladies' fingers is a flowering plant valued for its edible green seed pods. Okra is low in calories, full of nutrients and an excellent source of vitamins C and K1; Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient that contributes to our overall immune function, while vitamin K1 is a fat-soluble know to make various proteins that are needed for blood clotting and the building of bones.
Okra contains a thick gel-like substance called mucilage, which can bind to cholesterol during digestion, helping its rejection from the body rather than absorption. Another possible heart benefit of okra is its polyphenol content: A diet rich in polyphenols has lower inflammatory markers associated with heart disease.
In season July to October
Okra known as ladies' fingers is a flowering plant valued for its edible green seed pods. Okra is low in calories, full of nutrients and an excellent source of vitamins C and K1; Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient that contributes to our overall immune function, while vitamin K1 is a fat-soluble know to make various proteins that are needed for blood clotting and the building of bones.
Okra contains a thick gel-like substance called mucilage, which can bind to cholesterol during digestion, helping its rejection from the body rather than absorption. Another possible heart benefit of okra is its polyphenol content: A diet rich in polyphenols has lower inflammatory markers associated with heart disease.
In season July to October
Okra known as ladies' fingers is a flowering plant valued for its edible green seed pods. Okra is low in calories, full of nutrients and an excellent source of vitamins C and K1; Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient that contributes to our overall immune function, while vitamin K1 is a fat-soluble know to make various proteins that are needed for blood clotting and the building of bones.
Okra contains a thick gel-like substance called mucilage, which can bind to cholesterol during digestion, helping its rejection from the body rather than absorption. Another possible heart benefit of okra is its polyphenol content: A diet rich in polyphenols has lower inflammatory markers associated with heart disease.
In season July to October
Cooking tips
Trim the okra ends and cut each one into 1cm pieces for a stir-fry or leave like this to steam/boil/braise.
To stir fry, Heat some oil in a large frying pan, tip in the okra, medium/high heat. Shake the pan to fry the okras on all sides. Fry for about 8 mins, shaking every now and then, turning the heat down if you need to.
Fun fact
Okra seeds may be roasted and ground to form a caffeine-free substitute for coffee. When importation of coffee was disrupted by the American Civil War in 1861, the Austin State Gazette said, "An acre of okra will produce seed enough to furnish a plantation with coffee in every way equal to that imported from Rio."