Okra vs. Lady Finger: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 13, 2024
Okra is a flowering plant known for its edible green pods, while "lady finger" is a common name for the same plant, particularly in culinary contexts.
Key Differences
Okra, a green flowering plant, is known scientifically as Abelmoschus esculentus, and is valued for its edible seed pods, whereas "lady finger" is a colloquial term for the same plant, specifically referring to its slender, finger-like pods.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 13, 2024
In terms of cultivation, okra is grown in warm temperate and tropical regions, appreciated for its hardiness and heat tolerance, while lady fingers, being the same plant, require similar conditions, emphasizing the adaptability of the crop in various cuisines.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 13, 2024
Nutritionally, okra is rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, beneficial for health, while lady fingers, as another name for okra, provide the same nutritional benefits, making them a valuable addition to diets worldwide.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 13, 2024
Culinary uses of okra are diverse, ranging from being fried, stewed, or included in soups, to thickening dishes with its mucilaginous texture, while lady fingers are used similarly in various cuisines, often in traditional dishes like gumbo.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 13, 2024
The terminology differs regionally: in the US and other countries, the plant is commonly referred to as okra, while in parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa, it's often called lady fingers, reflecting cultural influences in naming.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 13, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Regional Terminology
Known as okra in US, other regions
Often called lady fingers in Europe, Asia, Africa
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Feb 13, 2024
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Okra and Lady Finger Definitions
Okra
Okra is a flowering plant known for its edible green pods.
We grow okra in our backyard garden.
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Jan 14, 2024
Lady Finger
The lady finger vegetable is named for its finger-like shape.
Lady fingers are long and slender like fingers.
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Jan 14, 2024
Okra
Okra is a staple in Southern and African cuisines.
Okra is essential in making authentic gumbo.
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Jan 14, 2024
Lady Finger
Lady finger is used in various dishes worldwide.
I use lady finger in my vegetable stir-fry.
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Jan 14, 2024
Okra
The okra pod is long, slender, and edible.
Okra pods are best when they're young and tender.
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Jan 14, 2024
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Lady Finger
Lady finger is another name for the green vegetable okra.
Lady finger is a popular vegetable in Indian cooking.
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Jan 14, 2024
Okra
Okra is known for its unique mucilaginous texture.
Okra adds a thickening effect to stews.
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Jan 14, 2024
Lady Finger
Lady finger has a mucilaginous texture ideal for thickening soups.
I thicken my soup with lady finger.
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Jan 14, 2024
Okra
A tall tropical African annual plant (Abelmoschus esculentus) in the mallow family, widely cultivated in warm regions for its edible, mucilaginous green pods.
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Jan 14, 2024
Lady Finger
Lady finger is nutritious, rich in fiber and vitamins.
Lady finger is a healthy addition to any meal.
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Jan 14, 2024
Okra
The edible pods of this plant, used in soups and stews and as a vegetable. Also called regionally gumbo.
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Jan 14, 2024
Okra
The edible immature mucilaginous seed pod (properly, capsule) of the Abelmoschus esculentus.
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Jan 14, 2024
Okra
The flowering mallow plant Abelmoschus esculentus itself, now commonly grown in the tropics and warmer parts of the temperate zones.
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Jan 14, 2024
Okra
An annual plant (Abelmoschus esculentus syn. Hibiscus esculentus), whose green pods, abounding in nutritious mucilage, are much used for soups, stews, or pickles; gumbo.
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Jan 14, 2024
Okra
The pods of the plant okra, used as a vegetable; also, a dish prepared with them; gumbo.
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Jan 14, 2024
Okra
Tall coarse annual of Old World tropics widely cultivated in southern United States and West Indies for its long mucilaginous green pods used as basis for soups and stews; sometimes placed in genus Hibiscus
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Jan 14, 2024
Okra
Long mucilaginous green pods; may be simmered or sauteed but used especially in soups and stews
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Jan 14, 2024
Okra
Okra is a good source of vitamins and fiber.
I include okra in my diet for its health benefits.
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Jan 14, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can okra be eaten raw?
Yes, okra can be eaten raw and is often added to salads.
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Feb 13, 2024
How do you reduce the sliminess of okra?
Cooking okra with acidic ingredients like tomatoes can reduce its sliminess.
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Feb 13, 2024
What dishes commonly use lady finger?
Lady finger is used in dishes like gumbo, curries, and stews.
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Feb 13, 2024
Is okra a fruit or a vegetable?
Botanically, okra is a fruit, but it is commonly used as a vegetable in cooking.
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Feb 13, 2024
Can lady finger be frozen for later use?
Yes, lady finger can be frozen after blanching to preserve its texture and flavor.
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Feb 13, 2024
How long does okra take to cook?
Okra cooks quickly, typically becoming tender in about 5-10 minutes.
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Feb 13, 2024
Can okra help in managing diabetes?
Yes, okra's high fiber content can help in blood sugar regulation, beneficial for diabetes management.
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Feb 13, 2024
Is lady finger good for health?
Yes, lady finger is nutritious, rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
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Feb 13, 2024
Can lady finger be dried and stored?
Yes, lady finger can be dried and stored for later use, often used in dried form in various cuisines.
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Feb 13, 2024
How do you know when okra is ripe for picking?
Okra is ripe when it's tender and about 2-3 inches in length.
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Feb 13, 2024
Are okra and lady finger the same?
Yes, okra and lady finger refer to the same plant and its edible pods.
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Feb 13, 2024
Does lady finger need to be peeled before cooking?
No, lady finger does not need to be peeled; it's cooked with its skin.
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Feb 13, 2024
What is the best way to store fresh lady finger?
Fresh lady finger should be stored in the refrigerator in a paper bag or wrapped in a paper towel.
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Feb 13, 2024
Are there different varieties of lady finger?
Yes, there are various varieties of lady finger, differing in size, color, and texture.
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Feb 13, 2024
Can lady finger be used in vegan diets?
Yes, lady finger is a plant-based ingredient suitable for vegan diets.
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Feb 13, 2024
Are there any cultural significances associated with okra?
Okra holds cultural significance in various cuisines, especially in African, Southern US, and Indian cooking, often associated with traditional dishes.
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Feb 13, 2024
What climates are suitable for growing okra?
Okra thrives in warm, temperate climates with plenty of sunlight.
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Feb 13, 2024
How does okra contribute to digestive health?
The high fiber content in okra helps in promoting healthy digestion and preventing constipation.
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Feb 13, 2024
Does okra contain any allergens?
Okra is not commonly known to contain allergens, but individuals may have specific sensitivities.
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Feb 13, 2024
Can you grow lady finger in a home garden?
Yes, lady finger can be easily grown in home gardens, especially in warm climates.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 13, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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