Okra

Care and Handling

Availability - Green Giant® Fresh Okra is available year-round.

Selection - Select okra which are one to three inches long, as smaller okra tend to be stringy and somewhat flavorless. Because it is perishable, be sure to use okra within four days of purchase.

Storage - When stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator, okra will last several days. Only wash okra immediately before using, as moisture tends to make the pods take on a slimy texture.

Preparation - To prepare okra for cooking, wash it in lukewarm water just before using, as unwashed okra will keep longer than its washed counterpart.

Cooking - Create a traditional southern gumbo using chopped okra, and other vegetables to produce a thick and hearty stew. Try slicing okra and sautéing it with a bit of vegetable oil, or add pieces of okra to your favorite stir-fries.

Freezing - To freeze okra, select tender okra and remove stems and leaves. Wash in lukewarm water and dry completely before placing okra on baking sheet in a single layer. Place sheet in freezer until okra are thoroughly frozen. Transfer okra from sheet to freezer bags.