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How to Cook Pattypan Squash

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Pattypans are a beautiful variety of summer squash similar in texture and flavor to zucchini. They have a unique rounded shape with scalloped edges, and can be found with yellow, green and/or white skins. As with zucchini, the skins are thin and completely edible, making pattypans a quick and easy side dish option. There are many methods for preparing pattypan squash. Three common methods that will be covered below are roasting, grilling, and sautéing.

How to Cook Pattypan Squash | eHow

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Things You\’ll Need

  • Pattypan squash

  • Extra virgin olive oil

  • Salt and pepper

  • Optional: chopped yellow onions

  • Optional: sliced garlic

  • Optional: chopped fresh basil

  • Chef's knife

  • Cutting board

Tip

Pattypans differ in size, so how many to use per serving will vary. Aim for 1 to 2 per person, or approximately 1 cup diced.

As noted above, pattypans do not need to be peeled. However, the tough ends need to be trimmed. From there, the squash can be sliced in half, quartered, cubed, sliced into rounds, shredded or even served raw (just like any other summer squash).

How to Cook Pattypan Squash | eHow

Roasted Pattypan Squash

Roasted pattypan squash is caramelized on the outside and tender on the inside.

  1. Preheat an oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  2. Cube the squash, discarding the tough ends, and toss with a thin coating of extra virgin oil (approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons). Optionally, you can add in 1 clove sliced garlic.
  3. Spread the cubed squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  4. Roast for approximately 20 minutes, flipping at least once for even browning.
  5. Allow to cool briefly before serving.

How to Cook Pattypan Squash | eHow

Grilled Pattypan Squash

Grilled pattypan squash comes together in no time and is excellent accompaniment alongside grilled entrees.

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat for 10 to 15 minutes.
  2. Slice the squash into rounds approximately 1/2 inch thick, discarding the tough ends. Place in a bowl with extra virgin olive oil (approximately 2 tablespoons) and toss liberally to coat. Lay the squash flat on a cutting board and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  3. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side, covered, until there are nice grill marks and the squash is tender.

How to Cook Pattypan Squash | eHow

Sautéed Pattypan Squash

Sautéed pattypan squash comes together quickly with minimal effort and delicious results.

  1. Cube the squash, discarding the tough ends. Optionally, chop some yellow onion to sauté alongside the squash (approximately 1/4 cup onion per 1 cup squash).
  2. Heat a medium-sized nonstick skillet over medium heat, and add 1 tablespoon olive oil, swirling to coat the pan.
  3. When the pan is hot, add the squash and onions. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the squash has softened and lightly caramelized on the outside.

Optional: top with some thinly sliced basil before serving.

How to Cook Pattypan Squash | eHow

Tip

Though not covered in this article, some other excellent methods for preparing pattypan squash are steaming, deep frying, pickling, and stuffing.

How to Cook Pattypan Squash | eHow

Unlocking Oprah\’s Golden Globe Curves: What She Eats for Each Meal

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75th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Press Room 1 of 10

Not only did media mogul Oprah Winfrey own the night with a powerful speech at the 2018 Golden Globes that left the social world rallying for her presidential run (#Oprah2020!), she also stunned on the red carpet in a gorgeous, form-fitting black gown that showed off her every curve. She has been an avid Weight Watchers advocate, sharing her weight loss journey and motivating others along the way. Here are the key components of the star's daily diet that will get you on your way to red carpet caliber curves in no time!

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Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated throughout the day is key to improving digestion, regulating circulation, promoting clear skin and more. If you like your water with a bit of flavor, check out these easy infused water recipes.

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Breakfast Sandwich

Oprah starts her day with her favorite breakfast sandwich called "The Usual." A sandwich of toasted wheat bread, eggs, and avocado is a wonderful way to fuel your body in the a.m.

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Chai Tea

For an early boost of energy with just as much flavor but only a fraction of the caffeine found in coffee, Oprah adds a cup of chai tea to her morning regimen.

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Soup

Not only is soup the perfect comfort food, but it's also a wonderful way to give your body a much-needed detox. Oprah's lunchtime go-to is a bowl of rich and creamy tomato soup. Check out this simple recipe that you can make on your own!

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Salad

Complement your lunchtime bowl of warm soup with a leafy salad for the perfect serving of essential vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants. For a low-calorie, high-fiber option, try Oprah's favorite; a tasty kale and apple salad. Not a huge fan of kale? No problem! A classic house salad or spinach salad will also do the trick.

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Fish & Veggies

Fish is a major source of omega-3 fatty acids, and can be extremely simple to prepare at home. A sheet pan dinner with filets of salmon or cod is both time-saving and delicious.

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Veggies

Kick your sheet pan dinner up a notch by adding your choice of fresh veggies into the mix!

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Crunchy Snacks

There's still plenty of room for tasty snacks in Oprah's daily diet, and she takes full advantage with crunchy treats like popcorn or potato chips.

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Wine

When it comes to rewarding herself, Oprah has no shame in her game! She often enjoys a nice glass of wine or a cocktail alongside her healthy dinner meals. Studies have shown that a glass of wine actually contains a number of health benefits, so enjoy!

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Mini Boston Cream Pies Recipe

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You'll never believe how simple it is to transform three store-bought ingredients into the richest, creamiest personal Boston Cream Pies of all time! Just follow the simple steps below.

mini Boston cream pies

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Things You\’ll Need

  • 1 package yellow cake mix (plus ingredients called for: eggs, oil, water, etc.)

  • 1 16-ounce can chocolate frosting

  • 1 instant vanilla pudding mix

  • 2 cups whipping cream

ingredients for mini Boston Cream Pies

Step 1: Bake cupcakes

Prepare your yellow cupcake mix, per instructions on the box.

Fill greased cupcake pans three-quarters full and bake at 350 degrees F for 18 minutes.

cupcake batter

Step 2: Prepare custard filling

Substitute whipping cream for milk and whip your instant pudding mix for 2 minutes.

custard filling

Tip

For a flavor boost, add a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to your custard mix.

Step 3: Fill cupcakes

Allow cupcakes to cool, approximately 30 minutes. Cut horizontally and use a pastry bag or tool to pipe a thick layer of vanilla custard filling.

custard filling

Step 4: Apply ganache

To make an instant ganache, simply scoop a can of store-bought chocolate frosting into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 10-second intervals until it's just soft.

Use a spoon to ladle a bit of chocolate on top and allow to set for about 10 minutes before assembling.

Tip

Making ganache from scratch is also very easy! Just pour 1 cup of very warm heavy cream over 8 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate in a large, heat-proof bowl and stir.

chocolate ganache

Tip

If your frosting gets too runny, just pop it in the fridge for about 10 minutes to let it firm up.

Step 5: Assemble

Place a glazed top on each bottom with a thick layer of cream in between. Store in a covered container and refrigerate.

tiny boston cream pies

Broccoli & Cheese Stuffed Chicken Recipe

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Easy weeknight dinners are a must around my house. We eat chicken at least a couple times a week for dinner and I am always looking for new ways to prepare it that will keep it interesting. I regularly roast it, grill it, and now my new favorite way to prepare it is to stuff it! Because broccoli and cheese are a match made in heaven, they make for one tasty stuffed chicken breast. My recipe for broccolli and cheese stuffed chicken is one that you are going to keep in your weeknight dinner rotation.

Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

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Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Things You\’ll Need

  • 2 chicken breasts

  • 1/2 cup of small fresh broccoli florets

  • 1/4 cup finely diced onion

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1 tsp. salt

  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper

  • 1/2 tsp. paprika

  • 1 tbsp. mayonnaise

  • 1 tbsp. oil (olive oil or avocado oil)

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Step 2

Bring a pot of water to a boil and drop broccoli in for two minutes. Strain and rinse with cold water to keep it from cooking any further.

Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Step 3

Combine blanched broccoli, onion, 1/2 of the salt and pepper, mayo, and cheese to a bowl and stir until well combined to create the filling.

Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Step 4

Take a sharp knife and carefully cut the chicken breast in the middle, but not all the way through, to create a nice pocket for the filling.

Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Step 5

Stuff the chicken with the filling, careful not to overstuff, and then season the outside of the chicken with the rest of the salt, pepper and paprika.

Tip

Secure the stuffing with a toothpick if needed. You can also season one side of the chicken and then season the other side once in the pan to help prevent filling falling out.

Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Step 6

Add oil to a cast iron skillet or oven safe skillet and heat to medium high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear on both sides for about 3 minutes until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the oven and continue to cook for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

Tip

If you don't have an oven safe skillet, simply sear in a skillet and then transfer to a baking sheet to continue cooking in the oven.

Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

This chicken is so delicious and I can't wait for you to give it a try!

Cacio e Pepe Recipe

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Cacio e Pepe is an amazing pasta dish that literally translates to "cheese and pepper." Think of it as a simplified, grown-up mac and cheese. It's elegant, rich, and surprisingly easy to prepare. I'm not kidding when I say it's rich; this is a restaurant-quality dish that should be saved for special occasions. However, it's truly worth the indulgence every now and then. While the original version was true to the name and only used cheese and pepper, modern day recipes such as this one often include butter to help bring the sauce together (and for even more decadence).

Cacio e Pepe Recipe | eHow

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Things You\’ll Need

  • 8 ounces dried spaghetti (or similar)

  • 1 cup reserved pasta water (see below)

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 2 ounces (1/2 cup) freshly grated parmesan cheese

  • 2 ounces (1/2 cup) freshly grated pecorino romano

  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Any time you're preparing a recipe with only a few basic ingredients, it's important to use go for high quality. This recipe is all about the cheese. You want to use fresh blocks of parmesan and pecorino (use Parmigiano Reggiano if you can find it and want the absolute best results), Grate it right before cooking the pasta. The same goes for the black pepper. Homemade pasta really takes this to the next level, but that's not as readily available so it's fine to use dried pasta.

Cacio e Pepe Recipe | eHow

Step 2: Grate the Cheese

You can grate the cheese by hand or with a the grater attachment on a food processor. The finer the better, as it will help the cheese melt into the hot liquid to form a sauce.

Cacio e Pepe Recipe | eHow

Step 3: Partially Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook according to package instruction minus about 1 ½ – 2 minutes so the pasta can finish cooking in the sauce. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and set aside.

Cacio e Pepe Recipe | eHow

Step 4: Heat Pasta Water and Butter

In a large, flat-sided skillet or heavy bottom saucepan, heat 3/4 cup of the pasta water and butter over medium heat until it reaches a simmer.

Cacio e Pepe Recipe | eHow

Step 5: Add the Pasta, Cheese and Pepper

Turn the heat to low and add the pasta, cheese and pepper. Stir for several minutes until the cheese has melted and a sauce forms. This will take some time; don't be tempted to turn the heat up or the cheese might break. Break up any clumps that form with a spatula. If needed, add the remaining pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to thin the sauce out if it's coming together but seems too thick.

Cacio e Pepe Recipe | eHow

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Divide into two portions. Top with additional cracked pepper if desired, and serve.

Cacio e Pepe Recipe | eHow

2 Infused Sugar Recipes: Vanilla Bean & Citrus

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Infusing sugar is a fun way to transform a simple cup of sugar into a new and exciting pantry item. Infused sugars take little to no effort to make, and creating them at home is much cheaper than buying it in the stores. These sugars can be used in a variety of applications, like baked goods, cocktails, or even as a way to sweeten drinks like coffee or tea.

Final image Finished sugars Image Credit: Kristan Raines

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Vanilla Bean Infused Sugar

Things You\’ll Need

  • 1 medium bowl

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 vanilla bean

  • 1 medium sealable jar

  • Knife

Step 1

Split the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape it with the back of a knife to remove its seeds.

Step 1 Remove vanilla bean seets Image Credit: Kristan Raines

Step 2

Add the sugar to a medium bowl, then add the vanilla bean seeds. Using a fork, mash the vanilla bean seeds into the sugar until fully incorporated.

Step 2 Mixing in vanilla bean Image Credit: Kristan Raines

Tip

Try to incorporate the seeds into the sugar as much as possible, although a few clumps of seeds will likely remain.

Step 3

Add the sugar to a sealable jar. Cut the vanilla bean pod as needed to fit in the jar and add to the sugar. Seal the jar and shake it a few times to mix everything around. Store until ready to use.

Finished Sugar Step 3 Image Credit: Kristan Raines

Tip

If possible, let the vanilla bean infuse in the sugar for at least a 1-2 weeks before using for the first time.

Citrus Infused Sugar

Things You\’ll Need

  • 1 medium bowl

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 large orange, preferably organic

  • 1 large lemon, preferably organic

  • 1 medium, sealable jar

  • Microplane zester

Step 1

Add the sugar to a medium-sized bowl. With a zester, zest both the orange and the lemon directly over the sugar.

Step 1 Add citrus zest to sugar Image Credit: Kristan Raines

Tip

When zesting, make sure to only zest the skin and not any of the white pith.

Step 2

Whisk the orange and lemon zest into the sugar until incorporated and fragrant.

Step 2 Whisking sugar Image Credit: Kristan Raines

Step 3

Add the sugar to a sealable jar. Seal the jar and shake it a few times to mix everything around. Store until ready to use.

Step 3 Finished sugar Image Credit: Kristan Raines

Tip

Sugar will keep for up to two weeks.

How to Make Deep-Fried Oreos

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In the United States, deep-fried Oreos are a popular treat at state fairs. Why wait for the next local event to enjoy the tasty snack? Thanks to this simplified recipe, you can indulge in fresh deep-fried Oreos in the comfort of your own home. You can even experiment with different Oreo flavors for a unique and personalized treat.

Deep-fried Oreos

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Things You\’ll Need

  • 2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough

  • 16 double-stuffed Oreos

  • Vegetable oil

  • Powdered sugar (optional)

Ingredients for deep-fried Oreos

Tip

This recipe yields 16 deep-fried Oreos. For a smaller batch, use one 8-ounce can of crescent roll dough and eight Oreos.

Step 1

Roll out the crescent dough on a sheet of parchment paper. Cut along the perforated lines with a pizza cutter or knife.

Slice crescent dough

Step 2

Place one Oreo in the center of each dough triangle.

Oreo on dough

Step 3

Fold up the corners of the dough, enclosing the Oreo.

Oreo folded in dough

Step 4

Press and pinch the dough to close the seams. Make sure the Oreo is fully wrapped.

Press dough to close seams

Step 5

Repeat with the remaining Oreos and dough.

Wrap remaining Oreos in crescent dough

Step 6

In a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat, warm about 1 inch of vegetable oil. It should be deep enough to cook half the thickness of one wrapped Oreo.

Add a few Oreos to the skillet, making sure they don't touch. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. Using tongs, flip the Oreos and fry for another 2 minutes.

Fry the wrapped Oreos in oil

Tip

Before frying the Oreos, test the oil to make sure it's hot enough. To do this, add one wrapped Oreo and fry it according to these directions. Break it open and check the dough inside. If it's fully cooked, the oil is ready.

Step 7

Transfer the cooked Oreos to a plate lined with a paper towel. Fry the remaining Oreos in batches, adding more oil as necessary.

Transfer cooked Oreos to a plate

Step 8

Dust the fried Oreos with powdered sugar if you'd like. Enjoy immediately, as they taste best freshly cooked.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They'll become less crispy over time, but they'll still taste great once they are reheated.

Finished deep-fried Oreos

Cinnamon Spice Cupcakes with Maple Bacon Frosting Recipe

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These cupcakes are epic. They taste like doughnuts and pancakes and everything that's good in the world. With a simple one-bowl cupcake recipe and the world's most delicious frosting, they might be the fastest way to make everyone at the party happy.

Cinnamon Spice Cupcakes with Maple Bacon Frosting Recipe

Things You\’ll Need

  • 2 ½ cups all purpose flour

  • 2 cups sugar

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

  • ½ ground nutmeg

  • 1 cup milk

  • 1 cup water

  • ½ cup vegetable oil

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 cup butter, softened

  • ½ cup maple syrup

  • 6 strips bacon, cooked and chopped

Cinnamon Spice Cupcakes with Maple Bacon Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.

Cinnamon Spice Cupcakes with Maple Bacon Frosting Recipe

Step 2: Stir in the Wet Ingredients

Add the milk, water, oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and eggs. Stir to combine.

Cinnamon Spice Cupcakes with Maple Bacon Frosting Recipe

Step 3: Bake

Add cupcake papers to a muffin tin and fill 2/3 full. Bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes or until lightly golden brown on top.

Cinnamon Spice Cupcakes with Maple Bacon Frosting Recipe

Step 4: Beat the Frosting Ingredients

Add the butter to a stand mixer and beat until light and fluffy.

Cinnamon Spice Cupcakes with Maple Bacon Frosting Recipe

Add the powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy.

Cinnamon Spice Cupcakes with Maple Bacon Frosting Recipe

Beat in the maple syrup and remaining vanilla until well combined.

Cinnamon Spice Cupcakes with Maple Bacon Frosting Recipe

Step 5: Frost & Serve

Frost the cupcakes and sprinkle with bacon bits. Enjoy!

Cinnamon Spice Cupcakes with Maple Bacon Frosting Recipe

How to Make Mango Popsicles

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Nothing tastes better on a hot day than an icy fruit popsicle, and this bright recipe is as delicious as they come. Made with peeled raw mangoes that are mixed with cool mint, spicy ginger and sweet limes — plus a pinch of cumin seeds for an unexpected finish — these popsicles are healthy and refreshing treats that are perfect for the dog days of summer. Freeze a batch on a cool night in anticipation of a sweltering afternoon by the pool, and everyone with a stick in hand will be grateful for your quick thinking. Just be sure to grab one for yourself, too!

Mango Popsicles

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Things You\’ll Need

  • 1 3/4 pounds raw mango (about 7 medium-sized mangoes)

  • 1/2 cup mint leaves

  • 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

  • 1 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt

  • 1/3 cup sugar

  • 1/2 inch ginger, roughly chopped

  • 1 lime, zested

  • 2 cups water

Ingredients

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Mangoes

Start by washing the mangoes well. Next, peel the skin with a vegetable peeler and then chop around the pits. Add the pulp and pits to a medium-sized pot with about 2 cups of water to cover the fruit. Cook on "high" heat until the mixture is boiling. Finally, reduce the flame to "medium-low" and cover the pot. Wait until the fruit is cooked through, or around 15 minutes.

Peeled Mangoes

Step 2: Blend the Other Ingredients Together

In the meantime, dry-roast about half of the cumin seeds in a pan, until they're fragrant. Keep moving the seeds around to prevent burning. Let the mixture cool completely, and then remove the pulp from the seeds. Discard the seeds. Pour the mixture into a blender with the remaining ingredients and blend everything into a smooth paste.

Cooked Mangoes Pureed Mixture

Step 3: Pour the Mixture into Molds and Freeze

Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for at least 5 hours, or overnight. When they're frozen, the popsicles are ready to eat!

Mango popsicles

The Characteristics of Okra

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... Okra originated near the Horn of Africa and was brought to the Americas by African slaves.

Okra, scientific name abelmoschus esculentus moench, is a member of the botanical Mallow family, which contains various plants and fruits like the marshmallow and the durian. Most of these species are indigenous to various parts of Africa and are often used for medicinal and culinary purposes. Okra is perhaps best known as an ingredient in gumbo.

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Mucilage

The most distinctive feature of the edible seed pod of this flowering plant is a thick and slimy mucilage, called so because it resembles mucus. Alternative medicine practitioners believe that this slime aids in digestion, and cooks take advantage of this property to thicken stews like the slow cooking creole dish gumbo.

Culinary Use

Many cooks try different techniques to get rid of this slimy property. In gumbo, the pieces are sliced so thin and cook so long that this mucilage is thoroughly incorporated in the stew. In saute or frying applications, the slices can be cooked with some acidic ingredient like lemon juice, vinegar or tomatoes. For this reason, whole okra also makes excellent pickles.

Growing

Okra thrives in warm weather, so it grows year-round in subtropical areas like Central Africa and the American South. In other areas, the planting season is from May to August; it bears fruit in about 60 days. When the seed pods mature, they must be harvested or they'll become fibrous and bitter.

Physical Characteristics

Okra pods have a distinctive lantern shape and are sometimes called "lady's fingers." They grow between 3 and 7 inches and have a light fuzz on the surface of the pod. The pods are produced from flowers, and each flower produces one pod. Like many fruits and vegetables, they are best harvested when medium-sized.