For years, an unusual vegetable for its region has been cultivated in Ottawa: okra. Known for its popularity in the warm climates of Africa and parts of Europe, okra has become a sought-after ingredient in Canadian cuisine. To meet the growing demand, certain okra varieties have been specially adapted to thrive in colder regions like Ottawa. Here’s more from Ottawa Name.
What Is Okra and How Did It Arrive in Canada?
Every year, Canada imports over six million kilograms of okra, and its popularity continues to rise. Okra, a vegetable cherished by many Canadians, is the key ingredient in numerous delicious dishes.
India leads global okra production, followed by countries like Nigeria, Sudan, Iraq, and Pakistan. Canada, however, is not a typical location for cultivating okra due to its cold climate, which requires hot and dry conditions for successful growth. To address the increasing demand for okra, Canadian horticulturists have developed varieties better suited to colder weather, enabling local cultivation.
In colder regions of Canada, including Ottawa, several adapted okra varieties are grown, including:
- Lucky Green
- Elisa
- Jambalaya
Other popular cold-hardy varieties include:
- Lady Finger – Primarily grown in northeastern Canada.
- Cajun – Specifically developed for colder northern regions, including Ottawa.
- Green Emerald – A common variety in northeastern Canada.
- Dwarf Lee – Designed for container gardening in colder climates.
Challenges of Growing Okra in Ottawa
Ottawa’s cold climate presents significant challenges to growing a heat-loving plant like okra. Some of the key difficulties include:
- Shorter Growing Season: The okra plant has a shorter vegetative period in Ottawa, requiring daily harvesting during the peak season to allow room for new pods to develop.
- Labour-Intensive Harvesting: The frequent harvesting required in colder climates means that cultivating okra demands a substantial workforce.
- Greenhouse Cultivation: To ensure high yields, okra is initially grown in greenhouses before being transplanted to fields. The fields are often covered with black plastic mulch to retain warmth.
- Spacing for Higher Yields: Proper spacing between plants is critical. Greater distance between okra bushes results in better growth and increased yield.
Okra is typically planted in Ottawa fields in late May, with flowering starting in June. The peak harvest period runs from July to late September. Each okra plant can grow up to two meters tall, producing 60–70 pods per season.
Popular Okra Dishes in Ottawa
Okra is an incredibly popular ingredient across Ottawa and other Canadian cities. Almost every Canadian has enjoyed dishes featuring okra. Although it is considered an imported vegetable, okra has become a staple in Canadian cuisine.
Some popular uses for okra include:
- Pickling
- Soups
- Meat stews and ragouts
In Canada, okra is viewed as nearly a traditional vegetable. Due to its widespread appeal, local farmers have made it possible to grow this heat-loving crop in colder climates, replacing imported okra with locally grown produce.
Okra’s adaptability to Ottawa’s climate is a testament to Canadian horticultural innovation, offering residents the opportunity to enjoy fresh, locally sourced okra.