Okra information and history

A bit of history about okra before I start w/the next recipes. Okra may have been introduced to southeastern North America from Africa in the early 18th century. Thomas Jefferson noted it was well established in Virginia by 1781.  The plant often has a red or purple spot at the base of the petals. The fruit (although most of us don't call it that) has a pentagonal cross-section, containing numerous seeds. (see below)

Although it was commonplace throughout the Southern States by 1800, It was being grown as far north as Philadelphia. . It is perennial, often an annual in temperate climates, and quite often grows around 2 metres (6.6 ft). What is ineresting to me, it is related to cotton, cocoa, and hibiscus. Okra has flowers that have white to yelowish petals.

Okra is a heat-loving plant with green pods that play a starring role in most gumbo recipes. Because it’s in season from May to September each year, you might have seen it in the produce section of your grocery. There’s much more to okra than soups and stews, so if you’ve never tried this versatile, nutrient-packed vegetable, check it out give it a try. Some are off put by it's texture but there are ways around that. Especially when one considers what good it packs.