Okra
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What it is
Okra is a flowering plant in the mallow family, related to hibiscus and cotton. Its edible seed pods are green and have a mild, grassy flavor. Okra is grown in warm climates around the world and is often harvested when young and tender.
Why it's used
Okra is used as a vegetable in cooking, often added to stews, soups, and gumbos. It can also be breaded and fried, or pickled. In processed foods, it may be used as a thickener due to its mucilaginous (slimy) interior when cooked.
Health notes
Okra is a vegetable and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as food. It is a source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Regulatory bodies like EFSA have evaluated okra and its components. While generally considered healthy, some individuals may experience digestive upset from high fiber intake.
Allergen info
Okra is not one of the nine FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.