MANILA, Philippines — For the first time, the Philippines exports okra to South Korea hoping to convert to convert more foreign tastebuds to the silky and sweet vegetable, the Department of Agriculture said.
Some 1,000 kilos of okra flew via Philippine Airlines and is the first of three shipments from the current harvest season, the DA said in a statement. Okra is harvested from October to June in the Philippines.
“This will really strengthen our efforts to support the high-value crops not only for local consumption but for exports,” Agriculture Secretary William Dar said.
The Philippines exports okra to Japan, where it has found its way into vegetable tempura baskets.
In Filipino cuisine, okra is a staple in pinakbet, fish paksiw or eaten plain steamed with bagoong isda. For those who hate vegetables, it’s that slimy green finger with micro-hairs.