Ladies' finger, also known as okra or bhindi, is a green, pod-shaped vegetable commonly used in Indian, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, and Southern U.S. cuisines. It has a mild flavor and a slightly slimy texture, which can thicken dishes like soups and stews. Okra can be enjoyed in various preparations, such as fried, sautéed, pickled, or added to curries and soups.

### Nutritional Content (per 100g serving, raw):

- **Calories**: 33 kcal

- **Carbohydrates**: 7.5g

  - Sugars: 1.5g

  - Dietary Fiber: 3.2g

- **Protein**: 1.9g

- **Fat**: 0.2g

- **Vitamin C**: 23 mg (26% DV)

- **Vitamin A**: 375 IU (8% DV)

- **Vitamin K**: 31.3 µg (26% DV)

- **Folate**: 60 µg (15% DV)

- **Calcium**: 82 mg (8% DV)

- **Iron**: 0.6 mg (3% DV)

- **Potassium**: 299 mg (6% DV)

Ladies' finger is a low-calorie vegetable rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes satiety. It is a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health, and vitamin A, which is important for vision and skin health. The vegetable also contains vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health, and folate, necessary for cell division and overall health. Okra provides calcium and iron in modest amounts, contributing to bone health and oxygen transport in the blood.

Due to its unique texture and ability to absorb flavors, okra is versatile in cooking. It can be fried, roasted, sautéed, or added to dishes like gumbo, stews, and curries. To reduce the sliminess, okra can be cooked quickly at high heat or combined with acidic ingredients like tomatoes.