Freeze slices on a parchment-lined tray before placing into freezer bags. Frozen blanched okra works well in gumbo, boiled, stewed, smothered, or fried. It’s usually simplest and easiest to freeze whole pods, and it’s a cinch to prepare them later.
How long can you freeze cooked okra?
Transfer the okra to a ziplock freezer bag or freezer container. (Having been frozen in a single layer they will come off the sheet easily as individual pieces of frozen okra.) Label your freezer bag/container with the date and keep frozen until ready to use. It will keep for 10-12 months.
Can you freeze cooked okra and tomatoes?
Cooking time will vary, but cook until okra is tender and all the slime is cooked out. Adjust seasonings and serve immediately or freeze in plastic bags. I freeze it in quart bags, because one bag is perfect for a pot of gumbo or as a side dish serving for the wife and me.
How do you prepare okra for a freezer?
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Then begin by washing okra.
- Place sliced okra on a sheet pan and place in preheated oven for 3-4 minutes or until just warmed through.
- Remove okra from oven and allow to cool.
- Once cool, scoop okra into freezer bags and place in freezer.
- Once okra is frozen, use as needed!
Can you freeze okra after frying?
I’ve been putting up quart bags of breaded okra in the freezer for frying for later, & I thought I’d pop on here real quick to show y’all just how I do that. It’s really super easy. You simply just coat the sliced okra in a flour/cornmeal mixture, flash freeze, & store in bags.
How do you thaw frozen okra?
You can thaw frozen okra by leaving it in the fridge for at least a few hours, but preferably overnight. You could also soak it in a bowl of water or pop it into the microwave.
How long does okra last in the fridge?
Refrigerate unwashed, dry okra pods in the vegetable crisper, loosely wrapped in perforated plastic bags. Wet pods will quickly mold and become slimy. Okra will keep for only two or three days. When ridges and tips of pods turn dark, it needs to be used immediately.
Is stewed okra healthy?
Okra is a nutritious food with many health benefits. It’s rich in magnesium, folate, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, K1, and A. Okra may benefit pregnant women, heart health, and blood sugar control. It may even have anticancer properties.
Is boiled okra and tomatoes good for you?
Here is a healthy, delicious alternative that we often share with our clients. Okra is a low calorie vegetable high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, B-Complex & Folate. One surprising benefit of okra is found in the phytochemical, mucilage, which aids digestion and helps to reduce constipation.
What goes well with okra?
Okra goes well with: onions, lamb, beef, rice, peppers, tomatoes, dried apricots, eggplant, coriander, curry powder, oregano, lemon, salt, garlic and vinegar.
Does okra freeze well?
Frozen blanched okra works well in gumbo, boiled, stewed, smothered, or fried. It’s usually simplest and easiest to freeze whole pods, and it’s a cinch to prepare them later. To slice frozen whole okra, allow pods to thaw slightly before cutting crosswise.
Are okra good for you?
Okra is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants that help reduce the risk of serious health conditions like cancer, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Okra is also a good source of: Magnesium. Folate.
How do you store okra for a long time?
How to Store Okra
- Don’t. Don’t wash okra pods.
- Seal. Wrap okra in dry paper towels and seal in a Glad® Food Storage Zipper Bag.
- Cut. Cut holes in the bag to allow for air circulation.
- Use. Okra is best used as soon as possible.
Do you thaw frozen okra before frying?
You’ll just need to thaw it completely first. This particular recipe makes some of the best fried okra I’ve ever had. Using a box of Zatarain’s Seasoned Fish-Fri Southern Style is the trick. It saves you a ton of time and expense being that all the spices and flavor is right in the mix.
Can you eat okra raw?
The entire okra plant is edible. The leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like any other greens. Okra pods can even be eaten raw. The less cooked okra is, the better it is for you.
How do you store fried okra?
You can store fried okra in either the fridge or the freezer based on how long you intend to store it.
- Allow fried okra to cool completely after cooking.
- Place okra into an airtight freezer bag or storage container.
- Store fried okra in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Store fried okra in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Why is my frozen okra slimy?
Okra produces slime because the okra plant and its fruits contain nasty things called mucilage. When you apply heat to the Gumbo, the slime comes out. But there are a few techniques to reduce all that stickiness, namely pan-frying or grilling before adding it to the Gumbo.
How do you get the slime out of okra?
5 ways you can easily remove slime from okra
- Pat and dry. Before cooking, slice the okra into tiny pieces, rinse them in water, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Freezing. The day before cooking, place your okra in the freezer.
- Vinegar.
- Tomatoes.
- Fry in high heat.
Why does okra turn black when cooked?
Note: If all you have is cast iron cookware, don’t fret. Okra reacts with the iron and will turn black. Otherwise, it’s fine and fit to eat.
How do you know if frozen okra is bad?
Okra should be bright green, and never dark green or brown, or have black spots or mould. Okra that has gone bad will feel sticky or slimy to the touch and have created a thin mucus or membrane that coats the pod. You can store okra for 2-3 days in the fridge, or processed for up to 12 months in the freezer.
Is it OK to eat slimy okra?
Okra pods are known as “mucilaginous,” which results in a slimy or gooey mouthfeel when cooked. This “mucilage” or slime contains soluble fiber that we can digest. Some folks enjoy this texture, while others try to mask the slippery nature of the pods.
Why does okra make you poop?
Helps to improve digestion
Okra contains mucilaginous fiber that helps to move food through the digestive tract as it adds bulk to the stool. This helps to prevent digestive issues like bloating, cramping, constipation and excess gas. It adds bulk to watery stools and even helps to prevent diarrhea.
Is okra good for high blood pressure?
Fruits and vegetables provide great sources of blood pressure-lowering nutrients such as potassium and magnesium. Magnesium-rich foods include black beans, okra, spinach, pumpkin seeds and squash seeds.
What does okra do to a man?
“Gossypol inhibits sperm production and motility by blocking several enzymes that are highly important in energy metabolism in sperm and sperm producing cells. “Okra seeds are very rich in toxic pigment called Gossypol which promote infertility in men by arresting sperm production (spermatogenesis) even at lower dose.
Is okra good for arthritis?
Joint pain: Okra contains a toxic chemical called solanine that may exacerbate symptoms such as pain and inflammation in people with joint disorders such as arthritis.
Does okra increase lubrication?
It reduces vaginal discharge. Okra pieces can be boiled in water till the water is reduced to half. The residual water can be consumed to alleviate leucorrhea.
Is okra good for diabetes type 2?
Okra is more than a regional delicacy. Several studies say that it can help lower blood sugar, which makes it another possible tool for those with diabetes. If you or a loved one has it, it’s worth asking your doctor, a dietitian, or a diabetes educator if there’s a place in your diet for okra.
What is the healthiest way to eat okra?
Grilled Okra with Spicy Chipotle Dipping Sauce
If you need more proof that okra doesn’t have to be fried, try this recipe for grilled okra. You can eat it just like you would the traditional fried version, dipped in a delicious sauce, but you’re getting your fill without all of the calories and fat.
What can I do with a lot of okra?
11 Ways to Use Okra
- Gumbo. This Louisiana dish is probably what’s given okra its slimy reputation—the vegetable is sliced and simmered so all of its goo leaches out.
- Quick vegetable stew.
- Stuffed peppers.
- Pickled.
- Dipped.
- Sautéed.
- Grilled.
- Double fried.
Is fried okra healthy for you?
But since it’s often fried in bacon drippings, frying oil and Crisco, fried okra definitely isn’t healthy. It’s loaded with saturated fats and trans fats, which raise your bad (LDL) cholesterol levels and lower your good (HDL) cholesterol levels.
What happens if you do not blanch a vegetable before freezing it?
Blanching helps vegetables keep their vibrant colors and retain nutrients, and stops the enzymes that would otherwise lead to spoilage. Freezing vegetables without blanching them first results in faded or dulled coloring, as well as off flavors and textures.
What does okra water do to a woman body?
It’s rich in magnesium, folate, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, K1, and A. Okra may benefit pregnant women, heart health, and blood sugar control. It may even have anticancer properties.
Is okra good for cholesterol?
Luckily, eating a heart-healthy diet offers a bulwark against cholesterol buildup. Certain foods contain properties that specifically target cholesterol, staving off the threat of heart disease. One such item is okra, also known as “lady’s finger”, a juicy vegetable that is prized for its green seed pods.
Whats the English of okra?
Okra or Okro (US: /ˈoʊkrə/, UK: /ˈɒkrə/), Abelmoschus esculentus, known in many English-speaking countries as ladies’ fingers or ochro, is a flowering plant in the mallow family. It has edible green seed pods.
How long does cooked okra last?
To maximize the shelf life of okra, refrigerate in plastic bag and do not wash until ready to eat. How long does okra last in the fridge? Properly stored, okra will usually keep well for about 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Should okra be stored in the fridge?
Keep the whole okra in the vegetable crisper drawer of your refrigerator, and use it within the same week you bought it. Right before cooking with it, wash it in cold water.
How should okra be cooked?
How to Cook Okra on the Stovetop
- Place okra in a saucepan; add enough water to cover the okra and salt to taste; bring the water to boil.
- Cover the pan and cook 8 to 10 minutes or until the okra is tender.
- Drain well and, if desired, toss with a little butter. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve.
Why is my fried okra soggy?
You should also be sure to dry your okra very well before cooking it, the drier the less slimy, this is also why frozen okra has a tendency to be so slimy when cooked. The frozen okra defrosts and is so wet it goes straight to slimy.
Can I pan fry frozen okra?
If using frozen, chopped….just open the bag. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the okra, garlic, adobo seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until tender and lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
Can you freeze fresh okra without blanching?
While you can freeze okra, or any vegetable, without blanching, you should anticipate losing some of the okra’s taste, texture and color. To keep the best quality of okra possible while frozen, make sure you use a freezer container that is easy to seal and will keep moisture, especially vapor, …
How much okra should you eat a day?
Of course, the CDC says anyone with a period should ingest 400 micrograms per day. That would require more than 6 1/2 cups of raw okra, so it’s best to diversify your folate-rich food sources.
Is okra good for hair?
Okra is rich in vitamins A, C, and K and has calcium, potassium, and lots of other nutrients that are great for hair growth, moisturizing a dry scalp, and getting rid of dandruff.
Is fried okra good for weight loss?
Promotes weight loss
Okra is a good source of fiber, which will not only improve your digestion, but will also keep you satiated for a long time, thus minimizing your food cravings. Apart from that it also loaded with essential nutrients that boosts your body’s metabolism and strengthens your core muscles.
Is okra a Superfood?
Popular in dishes around the world, okra is renowned superfood. Superfoods are nutrient-rich foods, which are considered to be particularly beneficial for people’s health and well being. In America’s Deep South, okra has long been considered a delicacy, especially when breaded and deep-fried.
Can dogs eat okra?
Yes! Okra is safe for dogs and contains vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and folic acid. These vitamins and minerals support the health of your dog’s immune system, metabolism, nerves, muscles, bones, and more.
Should you wash frozen okra before cooking?
If you freeze okra and cut it while it’s still frozen, it will be less viscous than when you cut it fresh. A second trick to reduce viscosity is to soak okra in vinegar for half an hour before cooking. Rinse it and dry it before cooking.
What does soaking okra in vinegar do?
Acidic ingredients like citrus juice, vinegar and even tomato are known to help too. Okra is often used in gumbo recipes, where they are cooked for a long time – this breaks down the parts of the okra that may become slimy, and makes the okra very tender, juicy and full of the flavour of the stew.
Is okra slime good for your skin?
Okra-derived micronutrients also help maintain the health of our skin. It is rich in vitamin C and collagen, making it supremely important for skin health and upkeep. The benefits include healthier looking skin with fewer fine lines and dark spots.
Do you remove seeds from okra?
For okra seed harvesting, the seed pods must dry on the vine and beginning to crack or split. At that point, you can remove the pods and split or twist them. The seeds will come out easily, so keep a bowl nearby. Since no fleshy vegetable matter clings to the seeds, you don’t need to wash them.
How is okra used for medicine?
Drinking “okra water” is a popular new method of using okra. Some have even suggested that drinking it helps lessen diabetes symptoms. The drink is made by putting okra pods in water and soaking them overnight. Some of the valuable nutrients in the skin and seed pods will be absorbed into the water.
Can you overcook okra?
If you overcook the okra, it may turn limp or mushy, so keep a close eye on it during cooking. Sprinkle the cooked okra with salt and pepper to taste.
Should you wash okra before cooking?
Wash and Dry
It’s important to wash Okra, irrespective of what anyone says to you to get rid of any dirt or chemicals still stuck to the skin. But what’s more important is to dry it well before cooking. Wash uncut Okra under running water, and then pat it dry with a cloth towel before cutting.
What is the black stuff on my okra?
Cercospora Leaf Spot of Okra
Cercospora is a fungal infection wherein spores are carried by the wind from infected plants to other plants. These spores adhere to the leaf surface and grow, becoming mycelia growth.
How long is okra good for in the freezer?
Once you fill your freezer bag, be sure to squeeze out all of the excess air before you seal the bag and place the okra in the freezer. Frozen okra keeps for about 6 months – long enough to carry you to next season.
How long is okra good for in the fridge?
Refrigerate unwashed, dry okra pods in the vegetable crisper, loosely wrapped in perforated plastic bags. Wet pods will quickly mold and become slimy. Okra will keep for only two or three days.
What happens if you eat okra everyday?
Eating too much okra can adversely affect some people. Gastrointestinal problems: Okra contains fructans, which is a type of carbohydrate. Fructans can cause diarrhea, gas, cramping, and bloating in people with existing bowel problems. Kidney stones: Okra is high in oxalates.
Can I eat okra raw?
Okra deserves more. The entire okra plant is edible. The leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like any other greens. Okra pods can even be eaten raw.
Why is okra good for you?
Okra is low in calories but packed full of nutrients. The vitamin C in okra helps support healthy immune function. Okra is also rich in vitamin K, which helps your body clot blood. Antioxidants are natural compounds that help your body fight off molecules called free radicals that can damage cells.