Okra
Quick Facts
Produce Type: Contrary to popular belief, okra pods are actually fruits!
Scientific Name: Abelmoschus esculentus
Seasonality: Late summer to early fall
Nutrients: Fiber, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin A, lutein
Flavor: Mild and grassy
Complementary Flavors: Tomato, oregano, paprika, garlic, cayenne pepper
Quick Cooking Tip: To reduce the amount of gelatinous mucilage when cooking okra, pair with an acidic ingredient, like tomatoes.
Cost: $$*
*from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$)
Okra Recipes
Health Benefits
Sustainability Tip
Okra’s mucilage is a natural thickening agent. Freeze okra scraps with the rest of your vegetable discards and boil everything down to make veggie broth. You’ll have a full-bodied stock base to add to soups and recipes.
Leftover Life Hack
Extra okra? Instead of throwing it out, try pickling it in a salt-free vinegar brine for a healthy and delicious alternative to pickles.
Making Okra Kid-Friendly
Air-frying okra will keep the texture crunchy and makes a great replacement for less-than-healthy French fries. Serve them alongside a familiar dish like chicken and a Paleo-friendly dipping sauce so they can ease into trying something new.
