Okra or Okro (US: /ˈoʊkrə/, UK: /ˈɒkrə/), Abelmoschus esculentus, known in many English-speaking countries as ladies’ fingers or ochro, is a flowering plant in the mallow family. It has edible green seed pods.
| Okra | |
|---|---|
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Abelmoschus |
What do they call okra in the UK?
Okra (also known as lady’s fingers and bhindi) is best grown under glass in th UK, although it may be worth trying outdoors in mild regions, on a hot, sunny patio. The calcium-rich pods are used in soups, stews and curries.
What country is okra originally from?
It is disputed where the plant originated, most likely somewhere in West Africa, but we do know that it was cultivated by ancient Egyptians (ancient Egypt was called Kemet, which means ‘black land’ and is believed to have referred to the generative soil in the region).
Is okra native to the Americas?
While okra is grown widely in the South, it is not native to the United States. However, it is indigenous to many other parts of the World, including Western Africa and South East Asia.
Which language is okra?
The name okra comes from Nigeria, from the Igbo language, which called the sticky plant – okuru.
Can you buy okra in England?
Veenas presents Okra / Bhindi / Lady’s Finger Veg (500G). We are amongst the leading online grocery stores in the UK. We focus on delivering quality with an affordable price of Indian beans, lentils, pulses, and fresh vegetables to the Indian families settled here.
Does okra grow in UK?
Suitable for unheated greenhouse growing in UK. Requires full sun and some warmth in the growing season. Grows to 1.5 metres tall.
What is okra called in America?
ladies’ fingers
Okra or Okro (US: /ˈoʊkrə/, UK: /ˈɒkrə/), Abelmoschus esculentus, known in many English-speaking countries as ladies’ fingers or ochro, is a flowering plant in the mallow family.
Who brought okra to America?
It was brought to the New World, specifically Brazil and West Indies, around the middle of the 17th century. Slaves of African heritage introduced okra into the Western Hemisphere.
When did okra enter America?
Because of the outstanding popularity of okra in the French cookery of Louisiana, and its slow gain in popularity elsewhere in this country, it is safe to assume that it was introduced to this country by the French colonists of Louisiana in the early 1700’s.
Why do Africans eat okra?
For the health conscious, okra is a rich source of dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins and a low calorie vegetable. Known in most West African Countries as Okro, and the French speaking countries as gumbo.
Is okra from Africa?
Okra (Family Malvaceae)
Okra is thought to be native to Africa and is an important crop in tropical countries. It is also an important element of southern cooking because it is one of the few vegetables that remains productive throughout the long summer of the southeast.
Where did the word okra come from?
The name “okra” is of West African origin and is cognate with “ọ́kụ̀rụ̀” in Igbo, a language spoken in Nigeria. It is called “Ila” in Yoruba Language (Western Nigeria). In various Bantu languages, okra is called “kingombo” or a variant thereof, and this is the origin of its name in Portuguese, Spanish and French.
What is okra called in Australia?
Ladyfinger
Growing Okra (Ladyfinger, gumbo) in Australia – temperate climate.
Does okra boost sperm?
Despite its nutritional and medicinal values, okra is associated with sterility in humans especially men due to the presence of gossypol in the seed. Recently, some studies claimed that excess consumption of okra may have injurious effects on sperm parameters, testes weight, and testicular tissues.
Why is okra called ladies finger?
The slave owners must have become curious about these green pods, so elegantly shaped they would be called ladies fingers.
What can you replace okra with?
Vegetables such as zucchini, green beans, and eggplant have a similar flavor and can replace okra as a side dish.
What does okra taste like?
Okra has a sweet, grassy flavor that takes on more depth with longer cooking and a texture that can be crisp and juicy or dense and creamy.
How is okra good for you?
Okra is low in calories but packed full of nutrients. The vitamin C in okra helps support healthy immune function. Okra is also rich in vitamin K, which helps your body clot blood. Antioxidants are natural compounds that help your body fight off molecules called free radicals that can damage cells.
Is okra a good vegetable?
Okra is a nutritious food with many health benefits. It’s rich in magnesium, folate, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, K1, and A. Okra may benefit pregnant women, heart health, and blood sugar control. It may even have anticancer properties.
How long do okra plants live?
Okra reaches maturity in 50 to 65 days. The plants can produce for ten to 12 weeks. It grows and bears seed pods until frost, which quickly turns them black and kills them. Start harvesting a few days after the okra blooms fade.