While its nomenclature emerged in West Africa, okra's migration from its East African origin remains complex. Evidence suggests it was cultivated in Egypt long before reaching India, potentially introduced by the Bantu people migrating from Egypt around 2000 BCE with seeds from the Eritrean plateau.
Okra or Ladies Finger is an annual plant belongs to the family Malvaceae. The place of origin is Ethiopia, it is mainly grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The major growing states in India are Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Orissa.
Even though the cultivated species Abelmoschus esculentus has been reported from the whole of tropical Africa, its origin is still uncertain. Egyptians were cultivating bhindi as early as 12th Century BC. From there, it spread throughout Africa, the Mediterranean, the Balkans and India.
Okra most likely originated in East Africa and has been there for over 4,000 years. It's thought that around that same time, Africa's Bantu people brought okra to India.
Portuguese first brought these vegetables to India. 2. Who came to India from Portugal in search of pepper? Vascodagama came to India from Portugal in search of pepper.
Bhindi Masala | Okra Curry Recipe | Simple and Easy | Vegetarian | DIY | Tutorial | How To | Vegan
Who first brought this vegetable to India?
The European 'discovery' of America was followed by the dissemination of American food crops to different parts of the world. The Portuguese, being the earliest European nation to arrive in India, became the agents for introducing several American crops like maize, sweet potato and capsicums in the country.
It was introduced in India by the Portuguese sailors during early 17th century and it's cultivation was spread to North India by the British. Potato is one of main commercial crop grown in the country.
Tomatoes were introduced to India by the Portuguese in the 16th century and are now a key item in an Indian meal. Their high cost has therefore made life difficult for many Indian families.
Brinjal is considered a native to India where the major domestication of large fruited cultivars occurred. In “Origin of cultivated plants” published in 1886, De Candolle, stated that the species S. melongena has been known in India from ancient times and regarded it as a native of Asia.
Okra originated in East Africa in Ethiopia, Eritrea and eastern Sudan. From Arabia, the plant spread around the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and eastward. Okra was introduced to Europe by the Umayyad conquest of Hispania.
Okra contains beneficial antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Its disease-fighting nutrients promote heart health, blood sugar management and better digestion. Okra also boosts bone health due to its calcium and vitamin K content.
History. Ladyfingers are said to have originated in the 14th century at the court of the Savoy, and were created to mark the occasion of a visit by the King of France.
Supports sexual health. One of the claims on social media is that okra water can increase vaginal lubrication. People say that okra water's mucus-like texture helps produce more vaginal moisture.
Which country is the largest producer of lady finger?
India. India is the largest producer and exporter of okra in the world. With a favorable climate for cultivation, India's okra production is abundant, leading to high export volumes. The country exports okra to various international markets, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East.
Okro is native to West Africa. The word (Okro) came from the Igbo Language (South Eastern Nigeria) where okra vegetable is known as "Okro" or “Okworo”. The name adulteration began as the British colonialists came to Southern Nigeria and discovered its great health benefits.
However, there are some considerations to keep in mind while consuming them. Allergies- Some individuals who are allergic to lady finger may see some side effects, such as diarrhoea, nausea, etc., after consuming it. A healthcare professional's advice is crucial before incorporating lady fingers into a diet.
Chillies were brought from South America to India by the Portuguese through their trading colony of Goa. Chillies belong to the genus Capsicum, a member of the nightshade family that includes tomatoes, potatoes and eggplants.
Portuguese introduced many crops in India and their cultivation becomes very popular, the main crops they introduced were Tobacco, Pineapple, Papaya, Cashew nuts and Chili.
The most popular among vegetables, potato, has its root in South America. This tuber was introduced to India in the 1600s through Portuguese traders. Due to selective breeding approaches, today, the world has about 5,000 varieties of potatoes.
During the Delhi Sultanate rule, many Middle Eastern chefs migrated to India in search of work and brought the samosa with them. The snack later earned the blessing of Indian royalty and gradually became synonymous with Indian culture and cuisine.
In the Indian context, coffee growing started with an Indian Muslim saint, Baba Budan, who, while returning from a pilgrimage to Mecca, smuggled seven coffee beans (by hiding them in his beard) from Yemen to Mysore in India.
Until the arrival of the potato in the 16th century, grains such as oats, wheat and barley, cooked either as porridge or bread, formed the staple of the Irish diet. The most common form of bread consisted of flatbread made from ground oats.
