オクラ

A green, finger-shaped vegetable known for its sticky (ねばねば) texture when sliced. Popular in Japanese summer cuisine.

Etymology

From English "okra." Written in katakana as it is a loanword.

Common dishes

• オクラのお浸(ひた)し: boiled okra with dashi
• オクラ納豆(なっとう): okra mixed with natto
• オクラの天(てん)ぷら: okra tempura
• オクラの胡麻(ごま)和(あ)え: okra with sesame dressing

Cultural note

In Japan, sticky foods (ねばねば食材(しょくざい)) like オクラ, 納豆(なっとう), and 山芋(やまいも) are considered healthy and are often grouped together in dishes.