O okra is the okra fruit (Abelmoschus esculentus). Even though many people consider him as a vegetable, the okra is a fruit. The classification of this food as a fruit is simply due to the fact that it has seeds in its interior, as is the case of the tomato.
Much traditional in brazilian cuisine, the okra is long, between 10 cm and 15 cm, with a shape similar to a cone and green in color. Your external texture is velvety, and inside, it has a famous baba and small seeds.
Millennia ago, okra was cultivated in African territory. With the arrival of the enslaved to the Americas, in the 16th century, through European navigations, food arrived in Brazil. The hot climate in much of the country, similar to that found in Africa, contributed to the cultivation of the vegetable, which was incorporated into the local cuisine.
Read too: Cassava - plant characterized by being an important source of starch
okra cultivation
The okra, or okra plant, is a plant that varies in size.
, but it can reach up to three meters in height. The leaves of the plant are divided into large parts and are between 20 cm and 30 cm long.The planting of okra can be done by seedlings or seeds, being by seeds the most traditional. After planting, within 60 to 75 days, the fruit is ready to be picked. Fruit development is not good in places with lower temperatures and ground very humid, so the period for harvesting may take longer in cold places.
During the germination process, the okra tree opens flowers. É on the inside of these flowers that the okras grow, along the entire foot.
Benefits and Nutrients of Okra
Very present in Brazilian dishes, okra is a food considered healthy and that it can bring many benefits to those who consume it.
Among the nutritional properties of okra is a good amount of fibers, Vitamin C, folic acid and antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and improve the immune system.
The seeds are rich in proteins, and, therefore, okra also helps in improving the intestinal tract. Its consumption helps to combat worms, diarrhea and stomach problems.
See too: Myth or Truth: Does okra help with diabetes treatment?
cuisine
Generally, the okra is served at the lunch or dinner, accompanying the basic foods of the Brazilian diet, such as rice, beans and meat.
Although he is very famous for his baba, some people usually take it off when preparing. To extract the drool from the okra, there are a few options. One is to cut the ends of the food and soak it in water with lemon for about 30 minutes, then wash and dry it for preparation. Another tip is to put it in a pan of oil over medium heat and stir until the drool separates from it.
Afro culture
Okra is also important, in addition to cooking, in Afro-Brazilian culture. At the candomblé, there are rituals in which the food is used as an offering to the orixás Ibeji, protector of children, and Xango, who represents justice.
Image credits:
[1] Shutterstock
[2] Shutterstock
[3] Shutterstock
By Giullya Franco
Journalist
