Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners

Reviewed on 03/08/2009 by OhioMG - An experienced gardener
Overall Taste Yield Ease	Huron, Ohio, United States Frost Free Season: 143 - 163 days Soil Texture: Loam Garden Size: Large - More than 1,600 square feet (40' x 40') Sun Exposure: More than 8 hours per day
This is probably my favorite okra. I've grown it in both Zone 7a and now 5b, and it has performed excellently in both. It is beautiful with deep maroon trim from leaf to flower to fruit. It is usually the plant that has people stop, stare, and say, "Wow! That's beautiful! What is it??" Yield is good and the pods hold their tenderness past the small stage. As with all okra, you still need to keep them picked, but they are so yummy that this is not a problem. I like them sauteed in olive oil with onions, garlic, herbs, and tomatoes, and whatever other in-season veggie I feel like adding, like corn or summer squash. For those who think okra is just a weird shaped slimy thing that people fry or pickle, try it another way. Properly cooked okra is tender, not woody, much like the texture of a robust green bean, and the "sliminess" disappears into the sauce as a natural thickener. It cooks quickly when sliced into 1/2-1 inch dices, so have all veg ready to go in before you start. Then enjoy!

Reviewed on 02/04/2006 by plainsman - An experienced gardener
Overall Taste Yield Ease	Washington, Nebraska, United States Frost Free Season: 143 - 163 days Soil Texture: Loam Garden Size: Medium - 400 square feet to 1,600 square feet Sun Exposure: More than 8 hours per day
This is to me, the best tasting okra, tender and very flaovorful. Excellent.