O okra It is a type of food widely used in the Brazilian diet. It is part of several recipes, it can be mixed with meat in order to give it an extra touch, among other possibilities. But, obviously, your entire planting process needs to be done well.
Therefore, we prepared this content with some information about what you need to know to plant and we will show you the benefits of consuming this food. Check out!
okra characteristics
Originating in Africa, okra was taken along trade routes from South Asia and the Middle East to the Americas, brought by slaves. For this reason, it is used in the cuisine of several countries, such as the United States, Japan and especially in Brazil.
A curiosity: okra is not a vegetable but a fruit, although it is used in recipes as if it were a legume. It should be eaten boiled, roasted or grilled.
Some suggestions: like chicken or beef with okra, pork ribs, but also in cold salads or stir-fries. By the way, at the end of this post learn how to make the famous “grandma’s okra”.
Okra with its characteristic green color. Cultivation and consumption takes place practically all over the planet.
Here in our country, cultivation occurs mainly in the Northeast and Southeast regions, which present ideal conditions for planting. However, its consumption has been attracting connoisseurs in other regions of the country.
Read also: What is yam and what are its benefits.
how to plant okra
Now, let’s talk specifically about how to plant okra. It certainly grows best in warmer, tropical areas where it can be planted year-round.
The correct thing is to do the process in periods when the temperature is higher, always above 20°C to 25°C. In the case of temperatures below 18°C or above 35°C, flowers and fruits fall.
In regions with a cooler climate, the ideal time for planting is between September and January. In those with a mild climate, the best time is from August to March.
In addition, the use of greenhouses helps to have a better quality crop, without depending so much on the climatic conditions mentioned above.
Planting is highly dependent on temperature. Ideally, the region should have a tropical and warm climate.
As for the soil, ideally it should be fertile, of good depth, permeable, well-drained and rich in organic matter. A tip is to avoid soils that are infested by nematodes as okra is sensitive to this pest.
In addition, it is important to have good natural lighting so that the plant can have a good development and certainly a good production.
Okra sowing process
Before placing the seeds in the planting site, they must be hydrated for a day. This is because dry seeds take two weeks longer to develop and there is a risk of producing a lower quality fruit.
Between each plant, it is important to give a space that reaches 40 cm, with 1,20 m between the lines. Irrigation is necessary, as okra depends on a more humid soil in order to develop properly.
Finally, you can also plant okra in a pot. But, as this plant has deep roots, it is necessary to opt for large pots and, preferably, dark colors because okra likes heat, as we mentioned earlier.
It is possible to grow okra in pots, but they must have a good depth due to the roots.
See also other features: Spices in pots: see how to plant and cultivate.
What is the ideal harvest point?
About 60 days after planting, the okra flowers begin to appear, with yellow petals and a large purplish spot at the columnar base. From there the fruits appear and the flowers fall.
The harvest should be done when the fruits reach a length of 8 to 12 cm and are tender, without fibers and the tip of the fruit breaking easily when bent.
In order for it to reach that size, it usually takes 5 to 6 days after the flower opens.
After the flowering period, the okra fruits appear. Harvest will be fast, in less than a week.
Benefits to our body
As promised, after giving details on how to plant okra, now let’s talk about its benefits. First, because of the good amount of vitamins, it strengthens bones and improves immunity. Not to mention the better functioning of the gut, which helps with comfort and general well-being.
There is even greater control of blood glucose levels and prevention of heart issues. Finally, it is even possible to point to improved vision, with the eye region functioning optimally.
Check out a summary of the benefits:
- Helps to lose weight: it has few calories and is rich in fiber, increasing the feeling of satiety;
- Controls blood sugar levels: low in carbohydrates and high in fiber;
- Prevents anemia: contains folic acid;
- Controls cholesterol levels;
- It is rich in calcium, which helps in bone health.
Therefore, okra is one of the foods that bring many benefits to our health. Before finishing the text, how about knowing a simple and easy recipe? Check out the traditional “grandma’s okra” in the video:
By the way, speaking of food, our reading tip is to know more details about the planting and benefits of chayote, another vegetable that, like okra, can be consumed in different recipes. Check out!
