Local Okro/paint bucket

Description

Origin:

Okra is believed to have originated in the region of Ethiopia and was spread to West Africa, India, and the Middle East. It was introduced to the Americas by African slaves and is now a staple in Southern U.S. cuisine as well as in many other tropical and subtropical regions. Okra is also known as “lady’s fingers” due to its long, slender shape.it is a member of the mallow family, related to cotton and hibiscus.The mucilage in okra can be used to thicken soups and stews, such as gumbo.

Other Names:
Yoruba: Ila
Igbo: Ọkụrụ
Hausa: Kubewa

Health Benefits:
Rich in dietary fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion and regularity.
High in vitamins A and C, which are essential for immune function and skin health.
Contains antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols, which help reduce oxidative stress.
May help lower blood sugar levels due to its high fiber content.
Supports heart health by lowering cholesterol levels.

Nutritional Information (per 100g):
Calories: 33 kcal
Carbohydrates: 7.5 g
Sugars: 1.5 g
Fiber: 3.2 g
Protein: 2.0 g
Fat: 0.2 g
Vitamin C: 23 mg (38% of Daily Value)
Vitamin A: 716 IU (14% of Daily Value)

Fun Fact: Did you Know?
Enslaved women sometimes used okra to achieve abortions by lubricating the uterine passage of pregnant women with the plant’s slimy pods. This is still in practice in some parts of West Africa today

Uses:
Commonly used in soups and stews for its thickening properties.
Eaten fried, grilled, or roasted as a side dish.
Pickled okra is a popular snack in some cultures.
Added to salads for a crunchy texture.
Used in traditional dishes like gumbo and bhindi masala.

Recipes & Videos:
International Recipe: Southern Fried OkraVideo: How to Make Southern Fried Okra
Local Recipe: Nigerian Okra Soup: Nigerian Okra Soup Recipe

Best Storage Method:
Store in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Shelf Life: 2-3 days in the fridge.