If you’ve ever had an abundance of okra, whether gifted or bought in bulk when it’s in season, freezing it is the best way to preserve it for later use. Freezing okra ensures you have this versatile vegetable on hand anytime you want to cook.
Plus, it’s a much cheaper option than buying store-bought frozen okra, which can be costly, especially in the UK where you might pay nearly £3 ($4.50) for just 300g.
How to Freeze Okra (With or Without Blanching)
Let me guide you through the tried and tested technique of freezing okra, either with or without blanching, to keep it fresh and ready for all your delicious dishes!
Why You Should Freeze Okra at Home
Freezing okra at home has several benefits:
- You’ll have fresh okra available whenever you need it.
- It’s cost-effective, especially when compared to the price of store-bought frozen okra.
- No preservatives are used, so you can be sure your okra is all-natural.
- You can choose to blanch the okra or not, depending on your preference.
- Freezing okra allows you to portion it into convenient sizes for later use.
- It’s easy to do, and you don’t need to cook the okra until it’s time to use it.
If you love okra as much as I do, this is a great way to ensure you always have it in your kitchen without worrying about it spoiling before you can use it.
What is Okra?
Okra, also known as lady’s finger, is a green vegetable with a long, slender seed pod. It belongs to the Abelmoschus esculentus plant family. When sliced open, okra reveals small round white seeds inside.
Okra is native to Ethiopia but is widely cultivated in hot, humid regions such as Nigeria, Ghana, and most parts of West Africa. It’s also popular in countries like India, Pakistan, and the Caribbean. In some parts of West Africa, it’s called okro or ochro.
What Does Okra Taste Like?
Okra has a mild flavor and is often used in dishes where its flavor is enhanced with seasoning. It’s known for its unique texture, which is crunchy when fresh and slimy when cooked, making it a key ingredient in many West African dishes, particularly okra soup.
How to Cook Okra
Okra can be prepared in various ways depending on the country or region. In Nigeria, okra soup is one of the most popular dishes. While some prefer chunky okra in their soups, I personally enjoy it chopped into smaller pieces before adding it to my dishes.
Okra can also be roasted, pan-fried, sautéed, or even breaded. But my favorite way of cooking it is the Nigerian style, with all its natural sliminess. The slimy texture is what makes a good okra soup in West African cuisine.
How to Freeze Okra (Step-by-Step)
Now, let’s dive into how you can freeze okra for future use. Whether or not you blanch the okra is a personal preference, but I’ll show you both methods. Blanching helps stop the enzymes in the okra from breaking down, which helps maintain its vibrant green color. However, if you don’t want to go through that extra step, I’ve got you covered too!
Step 1: Wash and Stem the Okra
Start by washing the okra thoroughly. You can rinse it under warm water, or you can soak it in a mixture of water and vinegar for a few minutes to remove any dirt or pesticides. Once washed, drain off excess water using a colander or pat it dry with a kitchen towel. It’s important to work with dry okra before cutting, so make sure it’s properly dried.
Step 2: Blanch the Okra (Optional)
If you want to blanch the okra (which I sometimes do), here’s how to do it:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil.
- Submerge the okra in the boiling water for about 2-4 minutes.
- After blanching, transfer the okra into cold water to stop it from cooking further.
- Drain and then set aside to air dry or use a kitchen towel to pat it dry.
Blanching gives the okra a fresher look and helps it retain its green color. If you prefer not to blanch, skip this step and move straight to cutting.
Step 3: Cut the Okra to Desired Size
Depending on what dishes you plan to use the okra for, you can slice it into various sizes. You can leave the okra whole or chop it into smaller pieces. Use a sharp knife for this step to ensure clean, even cuts.
Step 4: Transfer to a Freezer Bag
If you have enough freezer space, you can flash freeze the okra by laying the chopped pieces on a lined baking tray before freezing. This will prevent the okra from clumping together when stored. If freezer space is limited, simply place the chopped okra into a freezer bag. Try to spread the okra out as flat as possible to avoid clumping.
Step 5: Freeze the Okra
Seal the freezer bag and place it in the freezer. The okra can be stored for up to one year for the best results. Be sure to store it at the right temperature. If the okra gets freezer-burned, it may lose its flavor, texture, and color.
Nigerian Okra Recipes to Try
Once you’ve frozen your okra, here are some delicious Nigerian recipes you can use it in:
- Ila Alasepo (Okra and Palm Nut Soup)
- Stock Fish Okra Soup
- Oil-less Okra Soup
More Cooking Basics You Should Know
If you’re a fan of African cooking, here are some more helpful tips and techniques you might enjoy:
- How to cook yam
- How to freeze yam
- Quick chicken stock recipe
- How to fry plantain
- How to cook fufu
- Learn how to cook basmati rice perfectly every time
- How to make eba
Freezing okra is a simple and effective way to preserve this nutritious vegetable, especially when it’s in season and you have more than you can handle. Whether you choose to blanch it or not, freezing okra is a quick process that ensures you can enjoy this vegetable whenever you like, without the high price of store-bought frozen okra.
