Dried Okra
| Nutrient |
Amount per 100 g |
|---|---|
| Calories |
350 kcal |
| Protein |
11.8 g |
| Total Fat |
0.5 g |
| Carbohydrates |
80 g |
| Fiber |
15 g |
| Sugars |
3 g |
| Vitamin A |
450 IU |
| Vitamin C |
6 mg |
| Calcium |
230 mg |
| Iron |
5.3 mg |
| Magnesium |
150 mg |
Uses
- Cooking:
- Rehydrate dried okra by soaking it in water for soups, stews, or curries.
- Use as a thickening agent due to its natural mucilage.
- Snacking:
- Crunchy dried okra chips are a healthy alternative to potato chips.
Nutritional Benefits
- Rich in dietary fiber, vitamins (A, C, K), and minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium).
- Low in calories, making it a great option for weight management.
Storage
- Keep dried okra in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Proper storage can maintain its quality for months.
Applications
Dried okra can be used in several ways as a raw material, particularly in culinary and industrial applications.
- Food Industry:
- Culinary uses: Dried okra can be rehydrated and used in soups, stews, curries, and gumbo. It can also be ground into a powder and used as a thickening agent in dishes.
- Snacks: It can be roasted or fried to make a crispy, healthy snack, often seasoned with various spices.
- Okra flour: Dried okra can be ground into flour and used as an ingredient in gluten-free baking or to thicken sauces and soups.
- Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals:
- Okra extract: The mucilage in okra is known for its moisturizing properties and can be extracted for use in cosmetics, such as lotions and skin creams.
- Health supplements: Dried okra can be processed into supplements due to its nutritional value, such as fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Animal Feed:
- Dried okra can be used in animal feed as a high-fiber supplement, especially for livestock and poultry.
- Industrial Uses:
- Biodegradable packaging: Research is being done on using okra's mucilage for developing biodegradable packaging materials.
- Natural fibers: The fibrous structure of okra pods can be processed for use in the production of biodegradable textiles or ropes.
