Okra!

         If you shop only at Wal-Mart or other large grocery stores, you might not even know that okra exists and you would be missing out. It's a wonderful vegetable and is edible steamed, fried, raw, and grilled. It's most often seen in Southern cuisine, especially in dishes like gumbo. Most people who have eaten and liked okra have eaten it fried. Don't get me wrong, fried okra is delicious but there are other (and healthier) way to enjoy this versatile veggie.
         Okra is most nutritious when eaten raw, like most other fruits and vegetables, because the cooking process leaches out some of the vitamins and minerals. The difference is fairly minuscule, though, and shouldn't discourage anyone from cooking their veggies. No matter how you eat it, okra is low in calories (31 per cup) and high in fiber (3.2 g/cup). It contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including 8% of your recommended calcium intake.

http://www.hintofsaffron.com/2009/10/08/masala-bhindi-masala-spiced-okra/

 Okra!

        There are a few different varieties of okra sold at the Austin farmers' markets. The most common variety is green, skinny, and about 3" to 6" long. The types I usually buy are from Hairston Creek Farm and Finca Pura Vida Farm, both at the Sunset Valley Famers' Market at Burger Center. Hairston sells organic okra that is especially small and delicious. Many vendors sell equally yummy okra, but my family has found Hairson's is some of the best for snacking and steaming. Finca Pura Vida sells a mix of burgundy and green okra, as well as a unique heirloom variety called Star of David. The burgundy and green varieties taste very similar to each other, although the burgundy is slightly less seedy and slimy, especially when raw. Once they are cooked, it is difficult to tell them apart because the burgundy turns green. I have never seen the Star of David variety sold anywhere but Finca Pura Vida and it has very distinct features from other types of okra. It is fatter, has bigger seeds, and, to me, it tastes slightly sweeter. It is especially good grilled, seasoned with olive oil, seasoning salt, and pepper.

 http://incredibleseeds.ca/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_48

Burgundy Okra!

 http://www.seedsavers.org/Details.aspx?itemNo=643

Star of David Okra!

        I'll admit I'm kind of an okra addict and, as such, I get a little worried around this time of year because the end of okra season is nearing. We only have a few more weeks so get out to your closest farmers' market and get yourself some okra!



If you want to read more about Finca Pura Vida Farm or okra in general, here are the sources I referenced:
http://www.fincapuravida.org/SeasonalVegatbles.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/527624-nutrition-data-for-okra/