Okra (Albesmoschus esculentus)

Okra - Gombo (Abelmoschus esculentus L.): from Africa, this important species has conquered the world thanks to its ease of cultivation, excellent taste and adaptability to different climatic conditions. The stems of the plant are also used to produce fabric, and the roots to prepare emollients. The plant is present, in addition to those from its native land, in traditional Brazilian and Indian recipes, it is also a main ingredient of Cajun Cuisine. It is consumed when the pod is still immature and therefore tender, both, raw and cooked. The needs are macrothermal, it must be transplanted when temperatures are stable and above 15°C. Then, the cultivation will not require care, little water needs, suitable for any type of soil as much as for pots, where the beautiful flowers will fill balconies with color. The planting space should be at least 60cm between plants and 80 between lines to ensure good sun exposure, it loves the light. To get the seeds some pods should be left on the plants to be collected when they are leathery and dark brown, with lighter streaks. In this time of climate change, plants such as Okra, which are particularly adaptable and undemanding, are a sustainable and concrete solution for agroalimentary independence.

What makes Okra so important and popular is its versatility and nutritional properties; its is high in potassium, vitamin B, vitamin C, follic acid, and calcium, it has a high dietary fiber content, while being low in calories. Its pods are one of the main ingredients in the famous Southern American cuisine, its dried seeds provide oil, protein, vegetable curd, and are also used as coffee substitute, the foliage can be used for biomass, and the dried stems as a source of paper pulp or fuel.

This an incredible vegetable unfairly overlooked by many, it has lots of benefits and the whole of it can be put to a good use; also, by just typing "Okra Recipes" hundres of delicious soups and stews will appear to bring a bit of the taste of the traditional Cajun Cuisine, great Comfort Food for the cold months. A must in every healthy, complete garden!

For more information on the nutritional properties and health benefits of Okra you can visit: https://www.aessensegrows.com/en/fresh-produce-catalog/okra

For more information on its many uses: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/okra