Okra aka Ladies Fingers & Gumbo
If you’ve ever read packages in a health food store or spent any time listening to a health guru podcast, you have likely heard the term “antioxidants.” More than a buzzword, they are super important to our cellular health, which, in turn, is super important for our longevity. These compounds continually work to ensure our cells remain vibrant and functional.
What is a most unlikely source of antioxidants? Okra! The popularity of this fruit-that-cooks-like-a-vegetable is growing in the US due to a combination of factors, including the ability of okra to thrive in hot climates with longer growing seasons, improved hybrid varieties with better disease resistance and higher yields, culinary versatility (used in soups, stews, stir-fries, pickles), and the growing popularity of ethnic cuisines in US regions and markets.
Traditional African okra soup.
