Red Okra

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Description/Taste

Red okra are torpedo shaped and two to five inches long. Offering a unique flavor and texture, the fresh taste is somewhere between eggplant and asparagus. When cooked, however, the red color disappears and the pods turn green. Raw red okra adds a colorful touch.

Seasons/Availability

Red okra are available in summer.

Nutritional Value

Okra provides a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, folacin and other B vitamins plus magnesium, potassium and calcium. It is fat-free, saturated-fat-free, cholesterol-free and low in calories. A substantial source of dietary fiber, okra provides over five grams per three and one-half ounce serving. The extra folate supplied by this vegetable is beneficial to pregnant women.

Applications

Okra may be microwaved, blanched, boiled, steamed, deep-fried, braised or sautéed. Blending well with a variety of vegetables, tomatoes, corn and peppers are favorite medley partners. Do not wash until ready to prepare as water causes pods to become slimy. Do not cook in aluminum or cast iron as okra will turn dark.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

Okra is especially popular in Egypt, Morocco, India, Africa, the Caribbean, South America, the Middle East and in the southern United States. Okra has made a recent transition from being an "ethnic food" to becoming a chic vegetable. This has resulted from the American restaurant boom and an increased interest in regional foods.

Geography/History

Native to Africa, okra is a member of the Malvaceae or mallow family that includes hollyhock, cotton, rose of Sharon and hibiscus. Red or burgundy okra is a relatively new variety. In varying shades of color, okra may be chunky or slender and have ribbed or smooth surfaces. Growing tall, this annual vegetable plant produces large attractive hibiscus-like flowers and lobed heart-shaped usually hairy leaves with long stems attached to a thick woody stem. The pods develop in the leaf axil and grow rapidly after flowering.

Recipe Ideas

Recipes that include Red Okra. One

is easiest, three is harder.

Viet World Kitchen		Grilled Okra
Spinach Tiger		Roasted Okra, Eggplant and Cherry Tomatoes

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