Okra
okra.JPG
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sliced okra.JPG
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okra plant.jpg
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Foods Included
Okra
Description
Okra is a green edible seed pod that has a fuzzy texture on its skin. It is traditionally used in Gumbo to help thicken the soup.
Store It
- Keep okra in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- Before cooking okra, wash with cold water.
Cook It
- Stovetop: Rinse okra and drain well. Bring a small amount of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add the okra and cover. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until tender. Drain okra and season with salt and pepper.
- Microwave: Put rinsed okra in a microwave-safe dish with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and microwave on HIGH for 4-6 minutes or until tender. Drain well and season with salt and pepper.
- To prevent okra from becoming slimy, you can add vinegar or other acidic ingredients (like tomatoes) while cooking.
- Okra can be used as a substitute for zucchini in dishes.
- Okra tastes great in curries, sautés, and soups.
Why It's Great
- Vitamin A keeps our eyes working, our immune system strong, and our cells growing.
- B Vitamins helps our cells grow and stay healthy.
- Vitamin C keeps our immune system strong and helps our bodies heal quickly.
- Vitamin K helps our bodies heal quickly.
- Fiber helps with healthy digestion and keeps us feeling full. Eating enough fiber has been shown to keep our hearts healthy too.
- Folate, or folic acid, helps our tissues grow and our cells work. Especially important for pregnant women.
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