Okra - Gombo (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

Okra - Gombo (Abelmoschus esculentus L.): from Africa, this important species has conquered the world thanks to its ease of cultivation, excellent taste and adaptability to different climatic conditions. The stems of the plant are also used to produce fabric, and the roots to prepare emollients. The plant is present, in addition to those from its native land, in traditional Brazilian and Indian recipes, it is consumed when the pod is still immature and therefore tender, both, raw and cooked. The needs are macrothermal, it must be transplanted when temperatures are stable and above 15°C. Then, the cultivation will not require care, little water needs, suitable for any type of soil as much as for pots, where the beautiful flowers will fill balconies with color. The planting space should be at least 60cm between plants and 80 between lines to ensure good sun exposure, it loves the light. To get the seeds some pods should be left on the plants to be collected when they are leathery and dark brown, with lighter streaks. In this time of climate change, plants such as Okra, which are particularly adaptable and undemanding, are a sustainable and concrete solution for agroalimentary independence.