Okra is one of the most common foods in Minas Gerais and Bahia cuisine, being present in several typical dishes such as caruru and chicken with okra. Its smooth and slightly sweet flavor ends up combining perfectly with spicy ingredients.
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Some people may not even like it due to its viscosity and with that it ends up not being very attractive to the palate, but for others this is exactly the reason why they appreciate the fruit.
The Escola Educação portal separated this post to show some benefits of okra and also how to make okra germinate. Check out!
Health benefits of okra
This fruit is full of sources of fiber and vitamins such as A, C and B6, it is also composed of iron, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. With so many beneficial sources, okra ends up collaborating to prevent heart problems, where its fibers control cholesterol and triglycerides.
Another benefit is in glycemic control, its intake helps to reduce the blood sugar index and also in the absorption of glucose in the intestine. Rich in vitamin C, okra assists in improving immunity, increasing the production of cells that defend the body.
How to plant okra
Okra is an easy food to grow and requires little maintenance and there is also no need for a very large space for planting.
But you should pay attention to some points, check it out:
- Climate
It is important to know that okra needs a lot of sunlight, so it is appropriate to plant it in warmer seasons. Therefore, okra is more successful in plantations in the north and northeast regions, as it is warmer.
However, planting food should occur in the spring and may have a better chance of developing better.
- Ground
The soil for planting must be fertile and well drained and cannot be acidic, therefore, the soil must have a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. If growing in pots, check that the pot has enough capacity to drain, as if the soil is too wet, the root can rot.
- watering
Because it is a fruit that develops well in the summer, it manages to maintain itself well in periods of drought. However, it is important to water frequently for the okra to germinate.
So, it is indicated to carry them out in the morning, always taking care not to soak the soil too much.
- Harvest
After 2 months of cultivation, the first okras begin to appear and can be harvested when they reach 4 cm or more in size, with the help of a sharp knife. It is indicated the use of gloves to harvest the okra, as the hairs can cause skin irritation.