Can Okra Be Eaten Raw? A Few Things to Know Before Eating Okra Raw

Okra originated in Africa and was introduced to China from India in the early 20th century. In Japan, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, China and Western countries it has become a popular and best-selling nutritious health vegetable; in many African countries it has become the vegetable of choice for athletes, and it is also a health food for the elderly. Let us take a look below at whether okra can really be eaten raw!

Can okra be eaten raw?

Okra can be eaten raw. The young tender pods of okra are edible; they are picked while still green and tender, and the main edible part is the tender pod. Fresh tender okra does indeed taste quite good raw, with a much fresher flavor than cucumber or sponge gourd (loofah); the flesh is soft, the taste sweet, and amid its unique aroma a crisp, tender, juicy and rounded mouthfeel stands out.

The nutritional value of okra

1. The tender pods of okra contain a mucilaginous substance along with arabinan, galactan, rhamnan, protein and others; regular consumption helps digestion, boosts physical strength, protects the liver, and strengthens the stomach and regulates the intestines.

2. Okra contains iron, calcium, carbohydrates and many other nutrients, and has the effect of preventing anemia.

3. Okra contains vitamin A and β—carotene and others, which benefit retinal health and help maintain eyesight.

4. Okra is rich in trace elements such as zinc and selenium, which can enhance the body's ability to prevent and fight cancer.

5. Okra is also rich in vitamin C and soluble fiber, which not only has a health-protecting effect on the skin but also makes the skin fairer, finer and smoother.

6. Okra's calcium content is also very rich. And its oxalic acid content is low, so the absorption and utilization rate of calcium is relatively high, better than milk, making it a very good source of calcium for vegetarians and growing children.

7. The mucin in okra has the effect of inhibiting sugar absorption, so in recent years it has also been used as a folk remedy for treating diabetes.

8. Okra also contains special medicinal components that can strengthen the kidneys and tonify deficiency, and has an auxiliary therapeutic effect on organic diseases in men, earning it the reputation of "plant Viagra".

Ways to eat okra raw

1. Tofu with okra

[Ingredients] 300 grams of okra, 1 block of tofu, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of vegetarian seasoning.

[Method] ① Blanch the okra until cooked, drain well and cut into star shapes. ② In a mortar, grind the tofu and seasonings evenly, then add the okra and mix well.

2. Italian vegetable salad

[Ingredients] An appropriate amount of lettuce, an appropriate amount of onion, 5 black olives, 2 okra pods, 1 baby corn, an appropriate amount of cucumber, an appropriate amount of almond slices, an appropriate amount of toasted bread cubes, an appropriate amount of tomato, 3 tablespoons of oil-and-vinegar salad dressing (an egg-free salad dressing is recommended).

[Method] ① Wash the vegetables and cut them separately, setting them aside. ② Put the lettuce into a transparent bowl in order, then arrange the other ingredients one by one, finally placing the black olives and toasted bread cubes on top; drizzle with the oil-and-vinegar salad dressing and sprinkle with almond slices to finish. ③ The ingredients in the dressing must be chopped into fine mince.

3. Cold-dressed okra

[Ingredients] Okra, chili pepper, garlic, peanut oil, salt.

[Method] ① Wash the okra and remove the stems. ② Mince the garlic and chili pepper separately. ③ Take a pot, add water and bring to a boil, add a few drops of oil and a little salt, put in the okra and blanch for a few minutes. ④ Remove, soak in prepared ice water for a while, then remove and plate. ⑤ Heat a wok with oil, add the minced chili and minced garlic and stir-fry for a few seconds. ⑥ Turn off the heat, then pour the stir-fried minced garlic and chili over the okra.

[Tip] Avoid cooking in or serving with copper or iron vessels, otherwise the okra will quickly discolor; although it is not harmful to the body, the taste will be compromised and it will not look attractive.