June Veggie of the Month: Okra

Typically found in Cajun, Creole, and Southern food dishes, okra is a green vegetable, with a fuzzy texture that is actually a member of the cotton family. This vegetable is chock-full of nutrients, especially Vitamin C. Okra is also low in calories and is a fat-free food.

Choosing Okra

While okra is available all year around, it’s peak growing season is in the summer. You can select either frozen or fresh okra. When choosing okra, look for ones that are medium to dark in color with a skin that contains no blemishes. Okra can be picked after only two months of planting. They are generally picked when they are 2-3 inches long while they are still young so they remain tender. Older okra becomes tough.
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