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Okra vs. Lady Finger: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
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.
Okra vs. Lady Finger

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
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
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
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
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
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 13, 2024
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Comparison Chart

Scientific Name

Abelmoschus esculentus
Abelmoschus esculentus
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 13, 2024

Cultivation

Grown in warm, temperate regions
Same cultivation needs
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 13, 2024

Nutritional Value

Rich in vitamins, fiber
Same nutritional profile
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 13, 2024

Culinary Uses

Used in soups, stews, fried
Used similarly in various dishes
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 13, 2024

Regional Terminology

Known as okra in US, other regions
Often called lady fingers in Europe, Asia, Africa
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Shumaila Saeed
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 14, 2024

Okra

Okra is a staple in Southern and African cuisines.
Okra is essential in making authentic gumbo.
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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 14, 2024

Okra

Okra is known for its unique mucilaginous texture.
Okra adds a thickening effect to stews.
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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
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Okra

See gumbo.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 14, 2024

Okra

The edible immature mucilaginous seed pod (properly, capsule) of the Abelmoschus esculentus.
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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 14, 2024

Okra

Long green edible beaked pods of the okra plant
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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 14, 2024

Okra

Long mucilaginous green pods; may be simmered or sauteed but used especially in soups and stews
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 14, 2024

Okra

Okra is a good source of vitamins and fiber.
I include okra in my diet for its health benefits.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 13, 2024

What dishes commonly use lady finger?

Lady finger is used in dishes like gumbo, curries, and stews.
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Shumaila Saeed
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 13, 2024

Is lady finger good for health?

Yes, lady finger is nutritious, rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 13, 2024

Are okra and lady finger the same?

Yes, okra and lady finger refer to the same plant and its edible pods.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 13, 2024

What climates are suitable for growing okra?

Okra thrives in warm, temperate climates with plenty of sunlight.
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Shumaila Saeed
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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Shumaila Saeed
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.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 13, 2024

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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila 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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