Abelmoschus Esculentus

AKA: Okra (Star of David)

Planting: Well drained soil in sun, 40 degree annual, 3’-6”. In the Hibiscus family. Save seed.

Harvest: Fruits are harvested when immature and eaten as a vegetable. Leaves eaten raw or cooked.

Culinary: Fruits are harvested when immature and eaten as a vegetable. Leaves eaten raw or cooked. The products of the plant are mucilaginous, resulting in the characteristic "goo" when the seed pods are cooked. In order to avoid this effect, okra pods are often stir fried, so the moisture is cooked away, or paired with slightly acidic ingredients, such as citrus or tomatoes. The cooked leaves are also a powerful soup thickener. To retain most of okra's nutrients and self-digesting enzymes, it should be cooked as little as possible, e.g. with low heat or lightly steamed. Some eat it raw.

Medicinal: The superior fiber found in okra helps to stabilize blood sugar by curbing the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestinal tract. Okra's mucilage binds cholesterol and bile acid carrying toxins dumped into it by the filtering liver. Okra helps lubricate the large intestines due to its bulk laxative qualities. The okra fiber absorbs water and ensures bulk in stools. This helps prevent and improve constipation. Unlike harsh wheat bran, which can irritate or injure the intestinal tract, okra's mucilage soothes, and okra facilitates elimination more comfortably by its slippery characteristic. Okra binds excess cholesterol and toxins (in bile acids). These, if not evacuated, will cause numerous health problems. Okra also assures easy passage out of waste from the body. Okra is completely non-toxic, non-habit forming, has no adverse side effects, is full of nutrients, and is economically within reach of most unlike the OTC drugs. Okra fiber is excellent for feeding the good bacteria (probiotics). This contributes to the health of the intestinal tract.

Okra is a supreme vegetable for those feeling weak, exhausted, and suffering from depression.

Third Eye Vision:

Seeded: Spring 2009 in B6

Links: Wiki

Sources:
Holisticonline.com