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Monday, August 24, 2009

Red Velvet Okra and Love Lies Bleeding

The stunning red velvet okra is the variety featured this season. Not only are the pods scarlet; the stems are also the same rich color, lending the plant a majestic look that would stand out in any garden.

Not a fan of okra due to the texture? The slimy texture is a result of its mucilage, which is a mixture of carbohydrate molecules and proteins that help plaints retain water. The slimy nature of the mucilage is utilized as a thickener in soups and stews such as gumbo, but can also be minimized if fried or baked.

Learn more about the history of okra, its uses and nutritional value on our website.

Some other plants that are currently in bloom and yielding fruits or vegetables are melons, peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, pomegranates and corn. Many different varieties of flowers are also in full bloom. View a slideshow of the latest plants here.

In the photo below you can see the "love lies bleeding" in the foreground and the scarlet runner bean plant behind it.

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