Okra  

Gombo, okra (Brazil) (hibiscusesculentus)

The okra, related to the family of the hibiscus, is a sheath that was already known to the ancient Egyptians. It was imported from Africa to America as part of the slave culture, established in the Caribbean and Brazil in the course of the seventeenth century. It is a small annual tree with beautiful yellow flowers trumpet-shaped family owned cotton and roselle, with which brew a popular holiday in the Caribbean.

Cultivation

The part of the plant that is interested in cooking are immature pods with a pointed end and in the other a way to cap the length of a finger. Grown two varieties, one longer than the other. If sectioned horizontally has the appearance of a seed wheel with small miniature attached to the spokes. Its pleasant flavor reminiscent of peas, while its juice has a mucilaginous consistency (it is mostly used as a thickener for soups.

Employment and medicinal uses

Although very rich in protein and vitamin C, the okra is appreciated by mucilaginous properties, and is an excellent lubricant for irritated membranes of the intestine.