Special Sub-Topic: You're Really Eating That? Okra! Click Here To Play: You're Really Eating That? Okra!

Okra is a member of which family or families?

Cotton and Hibiscus. Blooms are beautiful, and look like hibiscus.

The shape of okra is like what?

fingers. Okra grows in a pod shape, tapering toward the tip. The best ones are the smaller pods, as they get tougher as they mature and increase in size.

The best way to describe the seeds inside the pod is this.

buckshot. The seeds are lined up along the inside, corresponding to the outside ribs, so very orderly.

Okra plants would be considered which of the following?

bush. Okra grows as a 3-6 foot bush.

Is Okra a perennial, biennial or annual plant?

it depends on the environment. In temperate regions, Okra is a somewhat delicate plant, so if you overwater, or get a sudden chill in the air, you may be done growing for the year. Plant more bushes next year, because this plant is a single season grower. BUT if the weather stays nice, and if you keep plucking off the pods, the plant can potentially grow literally until it's time to plant the new ones next season! In the tropics, however, Okra grows perennially.

Some folks are turned off by the texture of the cooked pods - they're slimy! Why?

They're overcooked.. Okra is a fairly delicate vegetable, and doesn't need heavy duty cooking. They can be eaten raw, or lightly steamed or boiled. If the pods start breaking down, releasing the slime, it's time to take them off the heat.

One of these is not a common way to enjoy this little plant (one you'd find in a mainstream cookbook).

chocolate covered. I imagine someone may have tried it chocolate covered, but I can't prove it, and I know I haven't!

One of the most traditional dishes which employs okra is the Southern favorite, gumbo.

True. Gumbo, so named for the seasoning gumbo file, is basically a stew composed of different ingredients, but usually will have chicken, tomatoes, okra, onions, rice, and of course the file. Toss everything into a slow cooker, and wait for an absolutely blissful taste treat - and okra is definitely a highlight to that taste!

Has a soda company actually bottled "Okra-Cola"?

No. Heh! As noted in the intro, this was a skit. Although, any plant could be used to flavor sodas or wines, okra probably wouldn't be too high on the list...

Okra is related to Marsh Mallow.

true. Yes, there is a plant called a Marsh Mallow - note it's two words, not one. Although, okra is slimy and candy marshmallows are sticky - or is that just reaching for a comparison?