When late summer hits, and your farmers market is brimming with okra, theres one surefire thing you can do with all the abundance: pickle them! BUT, if you want an even easier option, skip the vinegar, and make fermented okra instead.
Just like pickled okra made with vinegar and spices, fermented okra also offers that intense pop of sour flavor, but its easier to make and its also rich in probiotics.
Here’s my fermenting okra: Here’s the recipe: First make your brine using 1 cup of pure water and 2 teaspoons of sea salt, set aside. You might want to make about 1/2 cup extra in case 1 cup doesn’t cover everything, so for that use 1/2 cup water and 1 teaspoon of sea salt.
Tips for Fermenting Okra
While it can feel complicated, fermenting vegetables is a fairly straightforward and simple process. All you need to do is place the okra and other ingredients into a jar, cover it with brine, seal the jar and wait. It really is that simple.
But, there are a few tips to help make sure your fermented okra comes out right every time. Paying attention to the quality of ingredients, minimizing exposure to air (and, thus, mold) with weights and proper seals can help your pickled okra come out right every time. Moreover, theyre pretty standard tips for other fermented vegetables, like sour pickles and sauerkraut, too.
Benefits of Fermented Okra
Like other fermented vegetables, fermented okra is a rich source of probiotics, vitamins, and food enzymes. Accordingly, it tends to support gut health and immune system function.
Okra is also extraordinarily rich in long-chain carbohydrates which act as a prebiotic, making it a fairly ideal candidate for fermentation. Even more, these long-chain carbohydrates also help support blood sugar balance, too. While these complex carbohydrates can give okra a slimy texture when cooked, okra remains crisp when fermented.
- Okra is rich in vitamin K, which helps your blood clot and supports skeletal health (1).
- Okra is high in antioxidants and phytonutrients that fight fatigue (2).
- Okra supports blood sugar balance and metabolic health (3).
Sandor Katz Interview – Fermenting Vegetables: How Much Salt
FAQ
How do you measure salt for fermentation?
Can you use too much salt when fermenting?
How much salt do you need to ferment cucumbers?
How long does it take for okra to ferment?
How do you ferment okra?
While it can feel complicated, fermenting vegetables is a fairly straightforward and simple process. All you need to do is place the okra and other ingredients into a jar, cover it with brine, seal the jar and wait. It really is that simple. But, there are a few tips to help make sure your fermented okra comes out right every time.
How can one eat okra?
You can eat okra ras, fried, and grilled, among others. According to scientific evidence, it has different properties. It is beneficial for blood sugar control, because of its fiber levels, and is rich in vitamins and minerals.
Can okra be fermented?
Okra is high in antioxidants and phytonutrients that fight fatigue (2). Okra supports blood sugar balance and metabolic health (3). While it can feel complicated, fermenting vegetables is a fairly straightforward and simple process. All you need to do is place the okra and other ingredients into a jar, cover it with brine, seal the jar and wait.
What are fermented okra Pickles?
These fermented okra pickles are deeply sour and slightly spicy with complex notes of garlic and mustard seeds. They are just about the easiest okra pickles you can make, and take only about 5 minutes of active time in the kitchen and a little patience as probiotics ferment the okra.