Origin Of Okro
The origin of okro is not clear. The plant was cultivated in Ethiopia and Egypt for centuries before it spread to other parts of Asia and Africa. Enslaved people then brought it to the Americas, where it is now grown in tropical zones throughout the Americas, Africa, and the Caribbean.
Tropical in origin, okra grows on a perennial plant that can grow up to seven feet tall. The pods are white when young but turn green as they age. The seeds inside the pods are edible and can be dried for use in dishes and sometimes as a substitute for coffee.
The pods are generally small and round with tapered tips, although some varieties have pods up to 12 inches long. They grow on the ends of stalks that can reach six feet in height. The leaves are roughly heart-shaped with pointed tips, and they grow alternately along with the stalks.
The flowers are small and greenish-yellow in color. The pods will be picked in about 4 to 5 days after flowering. Okro is often used in African countries for the preparation of soup dishes. It is found frequently in the cuisines of Africa, the Caribbean, and South Asia because of its high tolerance for heat and humidity.
Nutrient Composition
Okra contains a high amount of vitamin C and K. It is an excellent source of protein. The following are nutrients composition in a 100 grams of okra:
- Calories: 33
- Carbs: 7 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
Preferred Botanical Name: Abelmoschus Esculentus
Preferred Common Name: Okra, Okro
Local Common Name:
Ibibio: Etighe
Medicinal Properties And Uses
Okra is not only edible but also has many medicinal properties and uses. The plant itself holds an important role in many cultures around the world. Okra is eaten in many countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa, and the United States.
In addition to its culinary qualities, it has several uses medicinally.
- Okra contains antioxidants that may reduce the risk of certain diseases, prevent inflammation, and improve overall health.
- The antioxidants found in okra have also been shown to improve the health of red blood cells by helping them carry oxygen through the body at a more efficient rate.
- Okra contains polyphenols that may contribute to heart and brain health.
- A protein called lectin is present in okra; lectin is known for its role in cancer prevention and treatment.
- Okra helps to control blood sugar levels.
- Okra is beneficial to pregnant women because it contains folate, an essential mineral for preventing neural tube defects.
How To Grow Okra
Yield Information
Okra plants can grow as tall as 4 to 5 feet. Taller varieties can reach 7 feet tall and need staking, while dwarf varieties are about half that height and don’t require support. The plant reaches maturity within 50 to 65 days after planting. A single okra stake can produce between 15 to 20 okra.
The plant can produce for 8 to 12 weeks before it dies off.
Nursery And Transplant Requirements
Okro is mainly propagated by seeds. The seeds should be soaked for about 24 hours in a large water container before planting at a depth of 1/2 inch in the field. Seeds should germinate in 2-3 weeks. The process involved during the transplant of okra are:
- Harden off transplants two weeks before you plan to transplant them outdoors. Place them outdoors for two hours during the day in a sheltered location. Gradually increase the amount of time outdoors and the exposure to sunlight over the two weeks.
- Dig a 2-inch layer of compost into the garden soil to a depth of 1 foot to improve the drainage and fertility of the soil.
- Level the soil with a garden rake.
- Dig a large hole to hold the transplant’s root mass and soil.
- Remove the transplant from its pot carefully, disturbing the roots as little as possible.
- Place the transplant in the hole and fill it in around the roots with soil. Firm the soil around the roots with your hands. The soil is firm enough if it doesn’t move when you tug gently on a leaf.
- Plant additional seedlings, in the same manner, spacing them at least 12 inches apart. Space additional rows at least 36 inches apart.
- Water the soil around the transplants.
Soil And Sun Requirements
Concerning soil, okra is relatively easy; it will grow in most soils except if they are too wet or dry. It is a warm-weather vegetable that should be planted once the soil warms. Plant okra in well-drained soil that has been enriched with compost or other organic matter.
Okra does not tolerate wet soil but performs best in fertile soil. A pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is ideal for okra; a pH below 6.0 can cause iron deficiency, which causes yellowing leaves. Acidic soils will also decrease okra production. Okra thrives in the hot sun; it is a warm-weather crop, hence, the need for full sun.
Watering Requirements
The okra plant needs plenty of water to thrive. Unlike many other plants, it does not do well with occasional watering or moisture. You must ensure that the okra plant gets plenty of water every day for optimal growth. Water frequently throughout the growing season.
The increased water requirement during this period is due to the rapid growth of okra. When watering, ensure excess water is allowed to drain away so that the soil will not get waterlogged and cause root rot, especially if you are growing your okra in containers or limited spaces.
Planting And Spacing Requirements
You can plant okra from seedlings or seeds. If starting from seedlings, sow seeds directly into the prepared area. If using seeds, soak them overnight in warm water before sowing to speed up germination. Okra should be planted about 18 to 24 inches apart in rows about two to three feet apart.
Planting okra in a raised bed requires that you space the plants 12 to 18 inches apart, and the raised bed should have a depth of 12 inches; plant okra seeds about ½ to 1 inch deep and 12 to 18 inches apart in a row.
Harvesting Of Okra
Okra’s first harvest after planting occurs about two months after planting. You can harvest when the crop is about 2 to 3 inches long. To harvest, use a knife to cut the stem above the cap. A hard stem is an indication that the pod is too mature and should be tossed.
Ensure to put on gloves and long sleeves during harvest because some okra varieties have tiny spines that can irritate your skin, except your okra variety is spineless.
Storage Of Okra
Okra is a perishable vegetable. Once harvested, wrap the uncut and uncooked pods in a paper bag or towel, put them inside a perforated plastic bag to keep them dry, and then put the bag inside the freezer. When pods contact moisture, they become slimy and deteriorate quickly.
Storage Of Okra Seeds
You do not need to wash okra seeds before storing them because no fleshy vegetable is attached to them. The best way to keep them is to dry the seeds in the open air for a few days, then put them in an airtight container in the fridge. Some okra seeds may last for four years, but many do not.
Diseases And Pests Of Okra
Charcoal Rot
This fungi disease causes stem discoloration at the soil line and wilting of leaves. You can control this by practicing crop rotation and avoiding water stress to plants while irrigating.
Fusarium Wilt
This causes wilting of cotyledons and seedling leaves, the plant becomes stunted, and discoloration in vascular tissue. It can be controlled by using resistant varieties of seed.
Yellow Vein Mosaic Disease
A virus causes it, and symptoms are alternate patches of green and yellow on leaves and yellowish fruit. It can be controlled by using disease-free seeds and practicing crop rotation.
Armyworms
This insect causes skeletonized leaves due to heavy feeding and irregular-shaped holes in foliage. You can control them by using natural enemies.
Conclusion
Did you know that okra, also fondly referred to as lady finger or gumbo, is a powerhouse of health benefits? Brimming with essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamin C and K, as well as folate, this humble vegetable is not only delicious, but also vital for maintaining a healthy digestive system, boosting immune function, and aiding in blood clotting. Additionally, with its impressive antioxidant content, okra serves as a powerful weapon against oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Moreover, okra is known for its potential to regulate blood sugar levels thanks to its high fiber and mucilage content. With its low calorie count, okra is a great choice for those watching their weight. Plus, its rich nutrient profile adds to its value as a nutritious and wholesome addition to any well-rounded diet.