Okra as ornamental plant

[pinakbet]

technically this is my first time growing my own okra. (coz the previous okra at the backyard is grown by my father).

personally i don't like the taste of okra but since the flower of okras resembles that of some hollyhocks.. and the fruits looks like over sized upright chili(in my perspective), I just started planting some okras as ornamental plants.

any tips from previous and current okra growers?

[amberroses]

The flower on mine is indeed very pretty, but it only lasts for one day.

[pinakbet]

^ its fine with me, morning glory and hibiscus flowers also lasts only a day.

[franzb69]

you might as well eat the pods while you're growing it. i'll look for recipes for ya. you might wanna make some gumbo with that.

america's closest thing to paella.

here's a picture of the dish, which is very tasty indeed:



the okra is used as a thickening agent, aside from the use of a dark rue.

here's a basic recipe for seafood gumbo:

http://southernfood.about.com/od/gum...r/bl00109b.htm

[Timmah!]

Suddenly, my bacon & eggs this morning don't seem quite as appealing.

[pinakbet]

i remember using okra in art class during first grade. you slice the okra and dip it on water color then use it as stamper.

[franzb69]

interesting. hehe.

i love gumbo. =D

i might make something halfway between gumbo and paella. sounds good. lol.

[pinakbet]

yumyum.

[franzb69]

sorry about that timmah, i'm kind of studying to be a chef. =D

[pinakbet]

in less than a month after sowing, flower buds are starting to develop on my okras! this veggie grows fast!

[franzb69]

nice update. ok this really makes me wanna grow some myself. lol.

[ContainerTed]

Our family's basic Fried Okra recipe

Rinse the fresh-from-the-garden okra pods. Slice the okra pods into 1/2 to 3/4 inch length rings. To a mixture of half and half flour and corn meal, add some salt and pepper. Dip okra into an egg batter and then coat with the dry mixture. In a skillet with 1/2" of canola oil, slowly fry the pieces until golden brown, turning as needed. Bring out of the skillet and place on paper towels to drain. Freshly season lightly with salt or whatever else is your preference.

*(Note: It is critical that you fry slowly or else the corn meal will burn and turn the whole flavor to burnt charcoal.)

The DW puts some mixed italian seasoning in ours and it IS to die for. Like all southern fried food, a little garlic seems to add to the flavor and enjoyment.

Ted

[franzb69]

sounds good. thanks for sharing.

[pinakbet]

^^ thanks for sharing that recipe Ted.

[ContainerTed]

Y'all are welcome. We also do the same thing with artichoke hearts (even out of the can in winter) and palm hearts. The "breading" recipe is also good for fresh fish and an assortment of other stuff to fry.

Enjoy southern cooking. After all, according to the late Dr. Carl Sagan (world renowned astro-physicist), the earth is a "southern planet".

Ted