SAEDNEWS: Due to its mucilaginous content, okra does not dry easily and requires special attention. Simply spread the washed okra under the sun and allow it to air dry.
Okra is a vegetable beneficial for brain and heart health, as well as being a powerful antioxidant with low calories. It is recommended for daily consumption. Since okra is a seasonal vegetable, it is necessary to preserve it for off-seasons by either freezing or drying it. Drying okra is easy and frees up freezer space while retaining its flavor. Here's how to do it.
Select and Clean Okra: Choose green, preferably fuzz-free okra. Separate any blemished or yellow okra. Wash the okra thoroughly.
Trim and Thread Okra: Remove the upper petal parts, then thread the okra with a needle and string, leaving some space between each piece to ensure quicker drying. Hang the threaded okra in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, such as the kitchen.
Dry the Okra: Leave the okra hanging for one to two weeks until fully dried. Test one piece by removing it from the string to ensure it is dry inside.
Grind into Powder: Once the okra is completely dry, grind it into a fine powder using a grinder. This okra powder can be used in soups, stews, and more. It is beneficial for health and acts as a natural thickener without affecting the taste.
Choose Fresh Okra: Select bright green, fuzz-free okra. Separate any damaged or yellow pieces.
Wash with Cold Water: Cold water helps retain the freshness of the okra.
Trim the Stems: Remove tough, thick stems without exposing the seeds. If the stems are soft, leave them intact.
Air Dry: Spread the washed okra on a clean cloth and let it air dry.
Thread the Okra: Use a needle and clean string to thread the okra one by one, leaving space between each piece.
Hang to Dry: Hang the threaded okra in a shaded, dry, cool area away from direct sunlight for several days.
Avoid Sunlight: Drying in the sun may expedite the process but can destroy essential vitamins like A, B, and C.
Check Dryness: Ensure that the okra is completely dry inside before storing.
Store Properly: Once fully dry, the okra can be stored in whole form or ground into powder. If not powdered, soak the whole dried okra in water for a few hours before cooking to restore its fresh texture and flavor.
Choose small okra for better flavor and easier drying.
If stems are tough and long, make a small cut for easier removal.
Soak whole dried okra before cooking to restore its texture and flavor.
