Okra
Nutrition Benefits
Vitamin C: helps heal cuts and helps the immune system.
Folate: may lower your risk of heart disease.
Selection
Okra is a seed pod filled with tiny white seeds. Choose brightly colored firm pods. Avoid okra that is moldy, limp, or dried out.
Storing
Store unwashed okra in a paper bag or wrapped in a paper towel and placed in an unsealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Moisture causes pods to become slimy.
Cleaning
Rinse with cold water.
Preparing
Carefully remove stem and tip end without opening pod before you cook it. The more okra is cut, the slimier it will be.
Do not cook okra in copper, iron, or brass cookware. The reaction between okra and these metals causes the pods to discolor.
Okra can be boiled, baked or fried. It combines well with other vegetables, especially tomatoes.
Okra is a natural thickening agent that can be used to thicken soups and stews.