Okra Facts

Fresh okra

Learn fun okra facts and general information about okra. This page includes when okra is in season, how it grows, how to choose and store it, nutrition facts, and easy okra recipe ideas.

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Fun Okra Facts

  • Okra is commonly in season during summer.
  • Okra grows as a seed pod on a plant.
  • Smaller okra pods are usually more tender.
  • Okra can be steamed, sauteed, or used in skillet meals and stir fries.
  • Okra is high in fiber and several vitamins.

How Okra Grows, Buying Tips, and Storage

When Okra Is Available

Okra is usually available in summer.

How Does Okra Grow?

Okra grows as a seed pod on a plant.

What to Look for When Buying Okra

Choose small pods about the size of a finger. Smaller pods are often more tender.

Okra Storage Tips

Store okra in the refrigerator crisper drawer and use it within 1 to 2 days.

Kid Tip: Wash okra before slicing, and ask an adult for help if using a knife.

How to Cook with Okra

How to Use Okra

  1. Wash and trim the okra.
  2. Slice it for skillet meals or stir fries.
  3. Steam for 3 to 5 minutes or saute until tender.
Sliced okra
Cooking Tip: Okra can be cooked quickly, so it works well for simple side dishes and skillet meals.

Okra Texture and Size

Small okra pods are usually more tender.

Larger okra pods may be tougher.

Okra can feel slightly slippery inside when sliced, especially before cooking.

Food Science: Why Okra Can Feel Slippery

Why Does Okra Feel Slimy?

Okra contains a natural thick substance inside the pod. When it is sliced, that substance can make the okra feel slippery.

That same quality can help thicken dishes when okra is cooked.

Mini Activity

Observe an Okra Pod

  1. Look at the shape and size of a fresh okra pod.
  2. Slice it open and count the seeds inside.
  3. Describe how the inside feels.
  4. Talk about how cooking might change the texture.

Okra Nutrition Facts

Okra is high in fiber, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin B6.

  • Okra is high in fiber.
  • It contains vitamin A.
  • It contains vitamin K.
  • It contains vitamin C.
  • It contains vitamin B6.

More Food Fact Resources




Okra Recipes

Okra Vegetable Side Dish

A simple side dish made with fresh okra, tomato, and onion cooked together in a skillet.

  • Category: Side Dish
  • Prep: 10 minutes
  • Cook: 10 minutes
  • Yield: Varies
okra side dish
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Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh okra, chopped
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • A little butter for skillet

Directions

  1. Add okra, tomato, and onion to a skillet with a little butter.
  2. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
  3. Serve as a side dish with chicken or another main meal.
Serving Tip: This is an easy way to try okra with familiar vegetables.

Okra Stir Fry

This okra stir fry combines okra, peppers, onion, meat strips, and teriyaki sauce for a quick meal served over rice.

  • Category: Main Dish
  • Prep: 15 minutes
  • Cook: 15 minutes
  • Yield: Varies
Making homemade almond butter
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Ingredients

  • 4 to 5 okra, sliced
  • 3 colored peppers, sliced or chopped
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 lb. chicken strips or beef strips
  • 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • Cooked rice

Directions

  1. Saute chopped onions in a skillet for several minutes.
  2. Add the meat strips and cook until no longer pink.
  3. Add sliced okra and peppers and cook until the vegetables are tender.
  4. In a separate bowl, blend teriyaki sauce with cornstarch.
  5. Add the sauce mixture to the skillet and cook until thickened.
  6. Serve over cooked rice.
Flavor Tip: Add a little extra teriyaki sauce if you want more flavor and moisture.

More Okra Ideas

Okra vegetable side dish

Vegetable Side Dish

Try okra cooked with tomato and onion as a simple side.

Okra stir fry ingredients

Okra Stir Fry

Use okra in a skillet meal with peppers, onions, and rice.

Pan fried okra idea

Pan Fried Okra

Watch the cooking video below for another okra idea.

Okra Cooking Video: Pan Fried Okra Recipe

Okra Facts FAQ

When is okra in season?

Okra is commonly available in summer.

How does okra grow?

Okra grows as a seed pod on a plant.

What should you look for when buying okra?

Choose small okra pods about the size of a finger.

How should okra be stored?

Store okra in the refrigerator crisper drawer and use it within 1 to 2 days.

What nutrients are in okra?

Okra is high in fiber, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin B6.

Keep Learning About Okra

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Food Facts Hub

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Okra stir fry

Okra Stir Fry

Use okra in a simple skillet meal served over rice.

Pan fried okra recipe

Pan Fried Okra Video

Watch another way to cook okra.

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