OFF THE SHELF
A globe-trotting African vegetable

By Kaui Philpotts

Okra isn't always in supermarkets here but is available and cheap in Chinatown and Asian produce markets. Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser

Okra is a long, ridged, tapering vegetable, light to dark green in color. Some varieties have a slightly hairy skin while others are smooth-skinned. Okra usually is about four inches long. As a rule, the younger and shorter, the better, as larger okra tend to be tough and fibrous. Cooked okra develops a viscous texture that some people find unpleasant. Okra, along with filé, a tree product that produces a gelatinous texture, is essential for making authentic Louisiana-style gumbo.

Okra will keep refrigerated in a plastic bag for several days. The vegetable, which also is available canned or frozen, can be fried, baked or braised.