Clemson Spineless Okra History

Clemson Spineless Okra is an allopolyploid of uncertain parentage. However, proposed parents include Abelmoschus ficulneus, A. tuberculatus and a reported “diploid” form of okra. The geographical origin of okra is disputed, with supporters of South Asian, Ethiopian and West African origins. The Egyptians and Moors of the 12th and 13th centuries used the Arabic word for the plant.

The plant may have entered southwest Asia across the Red Sea or the Bab-el-Mandeb straight to the Arabian Peninsula, rather than north across the Sahara, or from India. One of the earliest accounts is by a Spanish Moor who visited Egypt in 1216 and described the plant under cultivation by the locals who ate the tender, young pods with meal.[12] From Arabia, the plant spread around the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and eastward. The plant was introduced to the Americas by ships plying the Atlantic slave trade[13] by 1658, when its presence was recorded in Brazil.

How To Grow Clemson Spineless Okra Seeds

Okra grows best at temperatures between 75 and 90 °F. When planting okra, gardeners want to ensure that the soil temperature is warm enough so that seeds germinate and begin to grow, as cool soils can lead to slow growth and seedling diseases. The optimum soil temperature for seed germination lies somewhere between 70 to 95 °F, so gardeners will want to check the soil temperature at a depth of 4 inches before planting. If soil temperatures are less than 65 °F, at a soil depth of 4 inches, gardeners should hold off on planting until soil temperatures are warmer. The crop can be grown on all soil types, although sandy loam soils high in organic matter are the most desirable. Plant in full sun for best productivity.

Preserving And Storing Clemson Spineless Okra Plant

The optimum conditions for storing fresh okra are a moist environment and temperatures of 45 to 50 °F. If properly harvested, handled, not washed, and stored correctly, one can expect to keep good quality pods in the refrigerator for about seven days.

Heirloom Clemson Spineless Okra Recipes

Clemson Spineless Okra Nutrition Facts

Okra is rich in many nutrients and particularly high in vitamins C and K. This fruit is unique, as it provides protein, a nutrient that many other fruits and vegetables lack. Animal research suggests that okra may bind to cholesterol in your gut and lower blood cholesterol levels. It’s also rich in polyphenols, which fight harmful inflammation and protect your heart. Okra contains a protein called lectin, which is being studied for its role in cancer prevention and treatment. Yet, some research suggests that it may interfere with common diabetes medications. Eating okra may help pregnant women meet their daily folate needs. Folate is important for preventing neural tube defects. Okra can become slimy when cooked. To prevent this, follow the simple cooking methods above. Click here to learn more.