ARTICLE TWELVE :
OKRA
The okra, whose botanical name is ‘Abelmoschus esculentus, of the Family Malvaceae, is commonly found in Lagos Area markets. It is a vegetable crop used in soup preparation by all the peoples resident in the State.
Though okra is an annual vegetable grown by farmers as a cash-crop, it is also cultivated by many individuals as a garden vegetable. Furthermore, dry-season farming in swampy areas of Lagos produce okra fruits in large quantities. Therefore, okra, which is supposed to be an annual crop, is available in Lagos Area Markets all-year round. It’s harvesting is done over a long period of time. This helps its availability in the market, too.
There are various varieties of the okra crop in Lagos markets, and these crops vary in sizes.
Why is the populace keen on eating the okra? Experts tell us that okra contains vitamins A and C as well as starch, fat, ash, thiamine and riboflavin, which are good for the skin.
We are also told that the super fibre found in okro helps to stabilize blood sugar by curbing the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestinal tract. Experts further tell us that okra fibre absorbs water and helps to prevent constipation. Also, okra is said to be very ideal for weight loss.
Finally, we are informed that okra is a good source of iron and calcium. Because of the above reasons, the okra vegetable will always be in demand in our markets in Lagos all-year round.
PHOTOGRAPHS :
SOME VARIETIES OF OKRA ON RETAIL SALE AT A LAGOS SUB- URBAN MARKETS
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