Okra

Description

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a green seed pod vegetable that is eaten as a salad spice or in its crunchy raw-green form as a vegetable to sweeten or thicken soup. It is locally known as ‘’Bamia” or “Binda” in Swahili, also nicknamed ladies’ fingers for its slender shape.

The varieties grown in Kenya include: “Pusa sawani”, “Clemson spineless”, “Green Emerald2”, “White velvet” and “Dwarf Green Long Pod”.

Okra is ideal for those who are expecting or nursing, depressed, diabetic, or have breast, lung, cervical, or pancreatic cancer. They are excellent sources of antioxidants, vitamin K, potassium, sodium, thiamin, magnesium, calcium, vitamin A, B6, folate, iron, niacin, phosphorus, copper, protein, and fiber. Okra contains lectin, folate, and antioxidants that reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Okra can be fried, pickled, or grilled, seeds are roasted and ground to create a non-caffeinated coffee alternative. The packaging differs with customer specifications.