The term exotic vegetables refers to a large variety of vegetables that are marketed as exotic or ethnic products. These include, for example, okra, bitter melon, mini aubergines, chilli peppers, baby corn, niche herbs such as lemon grass, coriander, galangal or ginger, and exotic roots such as cassava, yams and taro.
What type of vegetable is okra?
Okra (also known as gumbo), is a tall-growing, warm-season, annual vegetable from the same family as hollyhock, rose of Sharon and hibiscus. The immature pods are used for soups, canning and stews or as a fried or boiled vegetable.
Is okra eaten in Europe?
Whereas African and Creole cuisines have long discovered the taste of okra, the vegetable is less known in Western Europe.
Is Cabbage an exotic vegetable?
Red cabbage is richer in beneficial plant compounds that have been linked to health benefits such as stronger bones and a healthier heart. This vegetable falls in the list of exotic vegetables since it is imported from other countries. It belongs to the Brassica genus of plants.
Is okra a seasonal vegetable?
Although okra is available year-round, is most abundant in summer. Selecting: Size counts!
What is okra classified as?
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) , also known as Abelmoschus bammia, is scientifically classified as Kingdom: Plantae (unranked): Angiosperms (unranked): Eudicots (unranked): Rosids Order: Malvales Family: Malvaceae Genus: Abelmoschus Species: A. esculentus. Okra belongs to the same plant family as hibiscus and cotton.
What is okra considered?
Biologically classified as a fruit, okra is generally utilized like a vegetable in cooking. It’s frequently used in Southern American cuisine and a popular addition to gumbo.
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 a delicacy?
The Arabs deemed okra a rare delicacy and prepared it only for special occasions, such as weddings. Okra is always harvested unripe, about 10 weeks after planting when the okra pods are about nine inches in length.
What country eats okra?
Today okra is popular in Africa, the Middle East, Greece, Turkey, India, the Caribbean, South America and the Southern U.S. It is not a very common vegetable in most European countries, except for Greece and parts of Turkey.
What vegetables are exotic?
35 Exotic Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs
- Cucumber, Mexican Sour Gherkin. This mini cuke, ‘Mexican Sour Cherkin,’ has a tangy taste that’s a mixture of sour and sweet.
- Brokali ‘Apollo’ Hybrid.
- Watermelon Radish.
- Carrot ‘Dragon’
- Kalettes Collection.
- Kale, Tronchuda Beira Hybrid.
- Red Perilla.
- Napa Cabbage.
What are examples of exotic vegetables?
The term exotic vegetables refers to a large variety of vegetables that are marketed as exotic or ethnic products. These include, for example, okra, bitter melon, mini aubergines, chilli peppers, baby corn, niche herbs such as lemon grass, coriander, galangal or ginger, and exotic roots such as cassava, yams and taro.
Which is not an exotic vegetable?
Pak-Choy:
Apart from these, due to increased cultivation, vegetables like Turnip, Lettuce, Hybrid cucumber may not even belong to the ‘exotic’ category anymore in coming years.
Can you eat okra raw?
Okra pods can even be eaten raw. The less cooked okra is, the better it is for you. It’s high in fiber, folate, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C. Slice off the stem, cut the pods into 1-inch pieces and give them a quick saute to reduce the green taste.
Where did okra originate?
West Africa
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).
Why do people eat okra?
Okra is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants that help reduce the risk of serious health conditions like cancer, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Okra is also a good source of: Magnesium. Folate.
Does okra boost sperm?
“Gossypol inhibits sperm production and motility by blocking several enzymes that are highly important in energy metabolism in sperm and sperm producing cells. “Okra seeds are very rich in toxic pigment called Gossypol which promote infertility in men by arresting sperm production (spermatogenesis) even at lower dose.
Is okra a false fruit?
Tomato, okra (lady finger), bell paper (capsicum) are included in the list of vegetables. But these are actually fruits. Find out the real difference between fruits and vegetables. Name two real vegetables and two false fruits.
Why is okra not a fruit?
According to Science: Okra is a Fruit
According to botanical definitions, the fruit of a plant is what allows the plant to reproduce. It develops from the ovary of the flower and contains the seeds the plant needs to reproduce into future generations. By this definition, okra is a fruit.
What does okra do to the body?
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.
Is okra a Superfood?
Okra is considered a superfood. It is a high-fiber food rich in vitamins and minerals. Dietitians consider it as a cholesterol-lowering food as well. Okra contains a component called mucilage, which becomes a natural thickener when it’s heated.