Lady’s Finger (Bhindi)

(Okra / Lady’s Finger) – Description:

Botanical Name: Abelmoschus esculentus
Family: Malvaceae

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🌿 Description:

Bhindi, also known as Okra or Lady’s Finger, is a green, slender, and elongated vegetable with a tapered tip and a slightly hairy surface. The inside is soft and mucilaginous (slimy), containing small, round white seeds arranged in rows. It has a mild, earthy flavor and becomes tender when cooked.

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🌱 Plant Characteristics:

• Bhindi is a tall, annual plant that grows up to 2 meters.

• The leaves are broad and heart-shaped, and the flowers are yellow with a red or purple center.

• It grows well in warm tropical and subtropical climates.

• Commonly cultivated across India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.

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🧅 Nutritional Value (per 100g):

• Calories: 33 kcal

• Protein: 2 g

• Fiber: 3.2 g

• Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin K

• Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, and Potassium

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💪 Health Benefits:

• Improves digestion and helps relieve constipation.

• Controls blood sugar levels (beneficial for diabetics).

• Supports heart health and reduces cholesterol.

• Promotes healthy skin and hair.

• Strengthens bones and immunity.

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🍛 Culinary Uses:

• Popular in Indian dishes like Bhindi Masala, Stuffed Bhindi, and Bhindi Fry.

• Used in curries, stir-fries, and sambar.

• Can be shallow-fried, sautéed, or mixed with onions and tomatoes.

• The slimy texture thickens soups and stews naturally.

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🌍 Common Names:

• Hindi: Bhindi

• English: Okra / Lady’s Finger

• Tamil: Vendakkai

• Telugu: Bendakaya

• Kannada: Bendekai

• Marathi: Bhendi

• Bengali: Dherosh