Okra

オクラ

Kagoshima leads national production (5,420 t), followed by Kochi, Okinawa, Kumamoto, and Fukuoka. Native to tropical Africa, okra has become a Japanese summer staple. Its signature mucilage (pectin and mucin) and 5.0 g of fiber per 100 g place it among the highest-fiber vegetables. Beta-carotene reaches 670 µg, firmly within the 緑黄色野菜 (dark vegetable) category. Works in dressed dishes, tempura, curry, simmered foods, and salads