Okra has been a key ingredient in traditional kitchens for generations, especially in Western African countries, where it adds distinctive flavour to dishes like gumbo and stews. As culinary traditions spread, okra is now celebrated globally for its unique taste and health benefits.
Growing okra at home brings this rich tradition right to your backyard, transforming gardening into an exciting adventure. This lively green vegetable, once beloved in Western African kitchens and now enjoyed worldwide, allows you to experience its vibrant flavours and benefits firsthand.
The health benefits of okra
Dr Udoh Akpan, a writer and post-doctoral researcher in the department of criminology and foreign studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, explains that okra has long been a staple vegetable in Nigeria.
When Nigerians travel, they often bring their cultural practices with them, including their food.
In some countries where okra is less common, Nigerians have adapted by drying it for easier transport, as fresh okra does not travel well, explains Akpan.
“Okra supports blood circulation and can also alleviate chronic constipation.”
Dr Udoh Akpan
“The seeds are beneficial for diabetes due to their antioxidant properties, and okra can also aid those dealing with chronic emotional health challenges.”
READ NEXT: From kitchen to cosmetics: The many lives of palm oil
A go-to cosmetic
Ofobea Baah, a senior technician at Akropong Akuapem University of Education in Ghana, shares that okra is well-known in her country for its ability to moisturise hair, in addition to its other health benefits. She explains that okra’s reputation for enhancing skin glow is due to its ability to improve blood flow and reduce blood toxicity.
“The slippery texture of okra helps with detangling hair, reducing breakage, and making it easier to manage.”
Ofobea Baah
Baah suggests boiling okra pieces for about ten minutes to create a shampoo-like texture. Apply this to your hair, leave it on for 15-30 minutes with a cap, and then wash it out.
Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi
In Ghana, okra is also used as a face mask. Baah explains that people apply a paste of okra to their faces and wash it off once it dries. “Using okra on the face helps achieve a youthful glow and can reduce dark spots,” she adds.
Mary Okeke-Ezebili from Lagos, Nigeria, explains that okra is a popular ingredient in dishes like okra soup.
As okra has gained popularity, it has become more expensive, she says. “It used to be more affordable because it’s a local vegetable.”
Okeke-Ezebili also mentions that some people eat raw okra to help with bad breath and bloating.
Grow yours in Mzansi
According to Ngeletshedzo Makhaga, a production scientist from Limpopo, okra is known as delele in Venda and mandande among Tsonga-speaking people, where it is highly utilised as a relish.
It is a hot-weather crop that thrives in the tropics and subtropical regions, with Limpopo being an ideal location.
For optimal growth during the summer season, she says the soil temperature should be between 24 to 32 °C, while the minimum soil temperature is 18 °C. Damping off and seed decay are likely at soil temperatures below 21 °C.
Makhaga notes that okra grows best in well-drained, sandy loam soils. Poorly drained soil can cause the plant to drown, and soil compaction can severely restrict growth.
“Slight irrigation is needed after planting and can be done at intervals of 4-5 days. Moisture stress during fruit setting must be avoided, and furrow irrigation has been commonly used.”
Ngeletshedzo Makhaga
Pest and diseases
She notes that okra is often attacked by aphids, stinkbugs, and leaf-footed bugs. She adds that there are three main varieties and one wild variety that grows naturally in suitable areas: spineless smooth (slightly larger and sweeter), red/burgundy (grown for its ornamental value but also fine for cooking), and green (a highly nutritious traditional variety that is widely available).
“Okra yields about 5 to 10 tonnes per hectare when well-managed,” she says.
ALSO READ: Okra water: Exploring the good and bad of this trendy veggie drink
Get the Health For Mzansi newsletter: Your bi-weekly dose of kasi health, wellness and self-care inspiration.
