Okra is indigenous to Africa, and was brought to the United States and the West Indies by African Slaves some 3 centuries ago. Since then Okra has become a popular food vegetable, especially amongst African Americans in the Southern United States. Okra is a member of the Mallow family and is closely related to the Hibiscus and cotton plants. It bears large yellow flowers and is sometimes planted in flower gardens for the display of yellow flowers it produces.

It is imperative that fresh Okra is picked young. After the pod is more than 8 days old it becomes almost useless for cooking. If you buy fresh Okra you should get young pods without any signs of bruising. The Okra pods should be tender but not soft. You shouldn't buy pods if they are any longer than 4 inches, as this is a sign that they have been left too long before picking.

Florida European offers okra picked and shipped to you within 24 hours.

Origin:

• Florida
• Georgia
• Texas
• Nicaragua

Packaging:

• 30-lb. bushel baskets/crates
• 23-lb. 3/4-bushel hampers
• 18-lb. 5/9-bushel crates/flats
• 15-lb. 1/2- 5/9-bushel baskets/crates/lugs

Storage & Handling:

• Temperature: 43 to 45 F, 7.2 to 10 C
• Relative humidity: 85 to 95 percent
• Mist: no