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Okra
Jul 22, 2019 11:47:17 GMT
Post by laurazone5 on Jul 22, 2019 11:47:17 GMT
First time growing Okra....feeling pretty sassy growing it up here in the north!
However, I don't know when to pick it?
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Post by tenbusybees on Jul 22, 2019 12:19:27 GMT
When it is the size of you pinky or ring finger is best.
Any bigger and it gets REALLY tough and woody.
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Post by Jolly on Jul 22, 2019 12:59:46 GMT
When it is the size of you pinky or ring finger is best.
Any bigger and it gets REALLY tough and woody.
Depends. That's true for a lot of varieties like Clemson Spineless, but Cowhorn can be six inches long, sometimes longer, and still be good. When I'm cutting okra, if I'm wondering about a pod, I'll knife test it before keeping it.
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Okra
Jul 22, 2019 13:13:03 GMT
via mobile
Post by wally on Jul 22, 2019 13:13:03 GMT
Our okra is close to harvest some pods, several around a inch to 1.5. I like to harvest no longer than 4 inches
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Post by mzgarden on Jul 22, 2019 14:14:17 GMT
I generally try to get them pretty small - couple inches. However, if one gets bigger, I'll snip it off the plant and press a knife into at the top, near the cap. If it goes in well, I keep it. If it's woody, into the compost pile. I've found smaller ones are less 'gooey' and bigger ones seem a bit more gooey. Bigger ones are generally sliced and dehydrated. Work great all winter in soups and stews.
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Post by oxankle2 on Jul 22, 2019 14:21:57 GMT
LAURA: You will learn fast. Generally speaking the smaller ones are more tender. The basic test is to bend the tip; if it bends easily the pod is likely to be good and usable. If that tip is hard the pod will be tough. Break that tough one off and discard. I sometimes leave one stalk unpicked and let its pods go for seed.
As noted above, the larger ones, if not woody, work well in winter soups and stews. For frying I prefer those most tender. Wife, bless her heart, likes the stuff boiled.
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Post by Jolly on Jul 23, 2019 0:29:40 GMT
BTW, don't forget to whip your okra.☺
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Okra
Jul 23, 2019 16:04:58 GMT
Post by feather on Jul 23, 2019 16:04:58 GMT
BTW, don't forget to whip your okra.☺ Are you talking about hitting the plants with a stick, essentially beating it? Like I've heard you should also do this to tomatoes. The plant gets stressed and sends out more flowers, then you get more fruit?
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Okra
Jul 23, 2019 17:06:46 GMT
Post by Jolly on Jul 23, 2019 17:06:46 GMT
BTW, don't forget to whip your okra.☺ Are you talking about hitting the plants with a stick, essentially beating it? Like I've heard you should also do this to tomatoes. The plant gets stressed and sends out more flowers, then you get more fruit? Perzactly.
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