Okra, also known as yangjiaodou, coffee okra, and hairy eggplant, is native to Africa and was introduced to China by India in the early 20th century. At present, okra has become a highly sought after high-end nutritious and health vegetable, popular worldwide. Its edible part is the fruit pod, which is divided into two types: green and red. It is crispy, tender, juicy, smooth and not greasy, with a unique aroma, and is highly favored by the people.
Okra contains pectin, milk polysaccharides, etc., which have the effects of helping digestion, treating gastritis and gastric ulcers, protecting the skin and gastric mucosa. It is known as one of the best health vegetables for humans. It contains various nutrients such as iron, calcium, and carbohydrates, which have the effect of preventing anemia. The mucin it secretes has a protective effect on the stomach wall, promotes gastric juice secretion, increases appetite, and improves digestive disorders. Containing vitamin A, beneficial for retinal health and maintaining vision. For young adults and athletes, okra can eliminate fatigue and quickly restore physical strength. At the same time, okra tender fruit contains a viscous liquid substance as well as arabinose, galactan, rhamnose, protein, calcium oxalate, etc. Regular consumption helps digestion, enhances physical strength, protects the liver, and promotes stomach and intestinal health. Okra contains special medicinal ingredients that can strengthen the kidneys and supplement deficiency. It has an auxiliary therapeutic effect on male organic diseases and is a suitable nutritional and health vegetable, known as the “plant Viagra”. In addition, okra is rich in trace elements such as zinc and selenium, which can enhance the body’s cancer prevention and treatment. Combined with rich vitamin C and soluble fiber, it not only has a health promoting effect on the skin, but also can make the skin white and tender.
Tips
1. Full and straight in shape are the best growing and high-quality okra. The smaller the okra, the more tender it is, and the best length is 5-10 centimeters. Gently pinch it with your hands, it doesn’t feel stiff, it’s better to have some resilience.
2. A surface that is full and bright, with hair on the spine, is preferred. If the color is dark and dry, it indicates aging.
3. Do not choose okra with insect marks on the fruit body, as the interior may have already rotted.
4. Do not choose fruits with black spots on the body, as it indicates that the transportation process of okra has been damaged, the quality has been compromised, and it is more prone to decay.
