Okra
What is Okra?
Okra is a flowering plant in the mallow family, native to Africa. Its fruit, commonly known as lady's fingers, is a green, ridged pod containing small, white, edible seeds. It is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Is Okra vegan?
Okra is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Okra gluten-free?
Gluten is not present in okra.
Is Okra a major allergen?
Okra is not one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Okra used for?
Okra is primarily used as a vegetable in cooking, valued for its mild flavour and its mucilaginous (slimy) texture when cooked, which acts as a natural thickener in stews and soups.
Is Okra safe?
Okra is a whole food, not a food additive, and is not assigned an E-number.
Why it's used
Okra is primarily used as a vegetable in cooking, valued for its mild flavour and its mucilaginous (slimy) texture when cooked, which acts as a natural thickener in stews and soups. It can also be fried or pickled. Manufacturers may include it in canned vegetables or ready-to-eat meals.
Health notes
Okra is a whole food, not a food additive, and is not assigned an E-number. It is a source of dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Evidence regarding specific health benefits or risks at typical consumption levels is based on its nutritional profile as a vegetable.
Allergen info
Okra is not one of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. Gluten is not present in okra.
Foods that contain Okra
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