Okra plant Growth at Home


scientific name: Abelmoschus Esculentus

order: Mallows

Introduction:

Ladyfingers are actually a type of vegetable, also known as okra. They are high in fiber and low in calories, making them a great addition to a healthy diet. Ladyfingers can be cooked in a variety of ways, including sautéing, grilling, and roasting. They are a popular ingredient in many cuisines, including Indian, African, and Middle Eastern.

 Is okra and ladyfinger are same?

okra (abelmoschus esculentus) known in some countries as lady's fingers, It is has edible green seed pods.It was formerly included within hibiscus,but now is classified as an distinct genus.

Is okra different from bhindhi?

okra-also known as bhindhi-is the most important vegetable crop of the tropical and subtropical of the world. it belongs to the genus ABELMOSCHUS family Malvaceae. 

Okra Uses:

Okra is manly consumed as avegetable and is provides health benefits such as;strenthining bones,lowers blood pressure ,prevents constipation and maintains healthy skin.

plant procedure

land preparation: through soil preparation 2 to 3months before planting is recommended to allow crops resedues and organic matter in the soil to decompose before okra is planted. early land preparation permits weed seeds to germinate to allows early cultivation to destroy young weeds before planting .

soil management

the crop produce reasonably well on most soil types, through a fertile laom is prefferable .cultiverse that are susceptible to root-knot eelworm ( Meloidogyne incognita) do not produce satisfactory crop on infected light or sandy soils. This species tolerates soils that are slightly acidic and will grow successfully in soils w3ith a pH of 6.0-6.8.

sowing

okra plants may be grown in nursery seedbeds or seedlings in plastic trays . before planting, it is advesible to soak the seeds in water for 24 hours, to break seed democracy and speed up the germination days.The planting depth is about 1.5cm.

spacing varies from 45x45cm,50x30cm or 60x15cm between the rows and within the rows , repectively.In some parts of kenya , okrais planted 2 x 2 m in flood irrigation basins.spacing of about 1 to 2 feet inter-row should be used. The main export season kenya is october to may; hence planting should start in july to target this export season. With irrigation technique okra can be grown through out the year for the local and off-season export markets.

harvesting

 Delayed picking depresses marketable yeilds because over aged fruit become fibrous.Therefore okra feilds are harvested at intervals of 2-3 days. picking fruits can be usually done manually. 
Most varieties grown in kenya are ready to pick 44 to 55 days after planting. pods are harevested when attaining a lengthof 7 to 15cm, depending on variety and market requirements.

Harevesting is done by hand.  the pods can be snapped off or cut off, leaving a small stem not longer than 1 cm. the pods must be handled carefully otherwise they may be bruised and discolour. this will protect skin from sap produced by  the okra plant.

Okra Nutrition Benefits:

Amount per 8 pods (95g)      
                
Calories 31                              Potein 1.8 g
total fat 0.2g                            Vitamin C   36%                                          
cholestrol 0 mg                        iron 3%
sodium 6.7 mg                         calcium 7%
saturated fat 0 g                      vitamin D   0 %
potassium 284.1 mg                vitamin B6 10%
total carbohaydrate 7 g          magnesuim  13%

WHY OKRA IS A SUPERFOOD?

Okrais considered a superfood.it is a high fibre food rich in vitamins and minerals.diettion considered it as a cholestrol lowering food as well.

CAN I EAT OKRA RAW?

Okra pods can even be eaten raw. the less cook is better for you.its high in fibre, folate, antioxidants,vitamins A and C . Slice of thre the stem cut the pods into 1 inch pieces and give them a quick saute to reduce the green taste.

IS OKRA GOOD FOR DIABETES?

 according to Diabetes management ;  being rich in antioxidants, bhindhi , also known as okra is an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fibre, that takes its on time to breakdown and digest.

Here are some key points about ladyfingers as a vegetable:


- Ladyfingers are a type of vegetable, also known as okra.
- They are high in fiber and low in calories, making them a great addition to a healthy diet.
- Ladyfingers are a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as folate and potassium.
- Ladyfingers can be cooked in a variety of ways, including sautéing, grilling, and roasting.
- They are a popular ingredient in many cuisines, including Indian, African, and Middle Eastern.
- Ladyfingers are often used in stews and soups, as well as pickled or fried.
- They can also be used to thicken sauces and add flavor to dishes.
- Ladyfingers are a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, both cooked and raw.
- Some people may be allergic to ladyfingers, so it's important to be aware of any potential allergies or sensitivities before consuming them.

Disadvantages:

While okra (ladyfingers) has many health benefits, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider:

- Okra contains a substance called oxalate, which can contribute to the formation of kidney stones in some people. If you are prone to kidney stones, you may want to limit your intake of okra.
- Okra can be slimy when cooked, which some people find unappealing. However, there are ways to reduce the slime, such as cooking it quickly at high heat or using acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar.
- Okra can be difficult to find in some areas, especially outside of its native regions. If you are interested in trying okra, you may need to visit specialty stores or farmers markets to find it.

Overall, while there are some potential disadvantages to consuming okra, they are generally outweighed by the many health benefits of this nutritious vegetable. As with any food, it's important to be aware of any potential allergies or sensitivities and to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Overall, ladyfingers are a nutritious and delicious vegetable that can add flavor, texture, and nutrients to a variety of dishes. Whether you're looking to add more vegetables to your diet or simply enjoy trying new foods, ladyfingers are definitely worth a try!