OKRA

When to Buy/In Season:
Season: all year, best supplies from May – October

How to Select:
Look for: Young, tender green pods 4 – 8 inches long

Organic Issues:
Surprisingly, okra is related to cotton, and is treated for the same pests. Environmental requirements are also similar to cotton, and conventionally grown crops are hard on the land.

Pesticide Issues:
Not listed

How to Store:
Fresh:
Store: refrigerate, and use within 1 – 2 days. Stored okra may become slimy

Frozen:
To Freeze from fresh:

Preparation: Select young tender pods and separate into small pods (4 inches or under) and large pods. Wash. Remove stems at the end of the seed pods, being careful not to cut into the seed pod.

Blanch: Water blanch small pods 3 minutes and large pods 4 minutes. Cool promptly and drain. Leave whole or slice crosswise. Package, seal and freeze.

For frying later: After blanching, dredge okra with cornmeal or flour. Spread in a single layer on shallow trays. Place in freezer just long enough to freeze firm. Package quickly, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Seal and freeze.

The smooth type varieties freeze as well as or better than the ridged varieties because they do not split as easily.

Freeze (0F) up to six months

Canned:
Store cans up to 12 months

Photo Source: thebittenword

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