Explore Alternative Okra Varieties (Beyond the Popular Clemson Spineless)
In a recent gardening experiment, an enthusiast decided to test various okra varieties to discover their unique qualities and suitability for different recipes. The Okra varieties tested included Gold Coast Okra, Clemson Spineless, Sherwood Red Okra, Burmese Okra, and Puerto Rico Everblush Okra.
Gold Coast Okra, known for its well-developed root system and tolerance to both drought and heat, grows about 6-7 feet tall. This variety is more mucilaginous than other varieties, making it ideal for thick stews or recipes requiring mucilage. However, it's essential to harvest Gold Coast Okra pods very young, as they turn tough if not picked at an early stage.
Clemson Spineless, on the other hand, stays tender to about 4-5 inches but gets tough quickly thereafter. This variety boasts a decent amount of mucilage, making it ideal for stews and fried squash. Although Clemson Spineless grows tall, it doesn't reach the heights of Sherwood Red and Puerto Rico Everblush.
Sherwood Red Okra is a standout for its great taste, especially when fried. It's less gooey than other varieties, offering a crisp texture to those who prefer dry okra. This variety also grows tall and is very productive.
Burmese Okra boasts 9-12" pods that are almost spineless and are still tender at 10". This variety is unique as some pods are green, while others "blush" to red. Burmese Okra is a great choice for those who want larger okra pods.
Puerto Rico Everblush Okra grows early and is very productive. Like Burmese Okra, some pods are green, while others turn red. This variety grows well and offers a versatile okra option.
In terms of taste, when fried together, the differences among the okra varieties were minimal. However, when it comes to roasting, thinner okra varieties were found to roast better due to their tendency to remain tender.
Interestingly, the author attempted to breed different types of Artokra and found the red Artokra to be the preferred variety among those attempted.
Overall, each okra variety offers unique characteristics and benefits, making them suitable for various recipes and growing conditions. Whether you're a fan of mucilaginous okra, prefer a crisp texture, or favour early-growing varieties, there's an okra variety out there for you. Happy gardening!
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