How to Buy Okra

Okra is the immature seed pod of the okra plant, grown and marketed locally in the southern states. 

When buying, look for tender pods (the tips will bend with very slight pressure) under 4 1/2 inches long.  They should have a bright green color and be free of blemishes.

Avoid tough, fibrous pods, indicated by tips which are stiff and resist bending, or by a very hard body of the pod or by pale, faded green color.

When left to dry, I've found that the mature seeds are very tasty in soups.