Today at the farmers market the okra looked so fresh that I had to buy some. Right now is the perfect time to purchase a seasonal ingredient like okra, which is only available through early fall. The folks at Padao Farms, the stand where I got my beloved okra, gave me a few tips for picking the pods. To get pointers for picking okra, read more.
- When selecting okra, choose the size that accommodates your culinary needs (my personal preference is a medium size). Avoid the very largest okra, however, which are tough.
- Firmness indicates the okra was recently picked. A good test: Wrap your fingers around the okra and use your thumb to test the strength of the vegetable's tip. If it seems like it could snap, then its firm and fresh. Eschew limp selections that don't pass the test.
- Store in a loose bag in the refrigerator and use within two to three days.
Okra tastes great when breaded and baked or fried, as a replacement for zucchini in ratatouille, or in a stew like gumbo. You can even toss raw okra into a salad with a light vinaigrette. What are your favorite uses for okra?
Thomas Pink
Armand Basi
Soft Grey
As the daughter of a southern belle...boy do I LOVE OKRA!!!
I just fried some okra this past Monday!!! But I also love it in all the ways that you described in the post!!! It is delicious.
1my question is - aside from knowing how to cook it and how to buy it - what does okra really taste like? i've seen it a million times but i've never gotten it cause i don't know what the flavor will be.
2ilanac13- I was thinking the same thing. I have no idea what the flavor would be like.
3It's hard to explain. It's got a tougher outer shell, so it has a little bit of crunch, like a green bean, and it has the little white seeds on the inside & a slightly slimey-ness to it. Now, I know that what I described sounds gross, but you should definitely give it a shot! I grew up eating fried okra. I've also discovered a skillet recipe that uses tomatoes, onions, white wine, & shrimp, along with okra, that tastes great!
4My CSA just sent us a big bag of okra, and I used it to make this last night:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/CHICKEN-CURRY-237212
It was so delicious and only took about 20 minutes.
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