How to Select the Best Okra
Look for okra pods that are bright green and slightly hairy to the touch. The ideal pod will have a slight sheen and fine, downy hair. Avoid larger pods with stiff hairs as these tend to be older and tougher. Size isn’t an indicator of quality, so aim for pods around 8 cm in length. Larger pods are likely to be older and therefore, less tender.
Avoid okra with any brown stripes or discolored spots. Gently squeeze the pod, it should have a slight give without being too soft or hard. This indicates freshness.
Larger okra tend to be older and less tender, so opt for smaller pods.
A quick test for freshness is to try snapping the stem end. Fresh okra will snap easily while older okra will be more difficult to break.
Tips for Boiling Okra
Many people make the mistake of cutting off the entire stem when preparing okra, which can lead to slimy results. Instead, keep the stems intact and simply wash the okra thoroughly before boiling. This small change will help reduce the slime factor.
Start by rinsing the okra to remove any dirt or debris. Due to its hairy surface, okra requires a thorough cleaning. After rinsing, soak the okra in warm salty water for about 15 minutes. Then, rinse again with fresh water and drain.
Soaking okra in salty water helps remove dirt and impurities.
Alternatively, you can use flour to clean okra. Simply mix a couple of teaspoons of flour with the okra and rub gently to remove the fine hairs. Rinse the okra thoroughly afterward.
Once cleaned, you can trim the long stems, leaving a small portion of the stem intact. This will ensure the pods remain intact during boiling.
Fill a pot with water and add a pinch of salt and a few drops of vegetable oil. The oil and salt will help retain the bright green color and add a nice sheen to the okra. Bring the water to a boil and add the okra, stirring occasionally. Boil for approximately 3 minutes. Overcooking will result in mushy, over-softened okra.
Avoid overcooking okra to prevent sogginess.
While the okra is boiling, prepare a bowl of ice water by adding a few ice cubes to a bowl of cold water.
After cooling, drain the okra and arrange them on a plate or mix with your favorite seasonings. Enjoy your perfectly boiled okra!
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