Okra (Hibiscus esculenta)

Okra (Hibiscus esculenta) is a member of the mallow family, Malvaceae, and may be the only member of the family to be used as a vegetable. Okra is a popular ingredient in Creole and Cajun food. Okra pods contain a gummy substance that thickens any dish to which they are added. Prolonged cooking only promotes this gumminess, so minimal cooking is best.