Good quality okra pods should be clean, fresh looking, tender, and well shaped. Avoid misshapen or decayed pods.
Storing and Handling
Temperature/humidity recommendations for short-term
storage of seven days or less:
45-50 degrees F/7-10 degrees C
85-95% relative humidity
Copyright & Disclaimer
PMA Fresh Produce Manual
Handling Tips
Handle okra with care to avoid bruising.
Troubleshooting
Pitting; discoloration; water-soaked spots; decay:
These are indications of chill injury. To prevent chill injury, do not store okra below 45 degrees F/7 degrees C.
Yellow discoloration; tough texture; rapid decay:
Storing okra at high temperatures may cause rapid deterioration and discoloration. For best quality, maintain short-term storage temperature of 45-50 degrees F/7-10 degrees C. Use or display okra soon after receiving.
Shriveling:
Exposing okra to low humidity will cause product shriveling. For best quality, maintain humidity level of 85-95%.
Black discoloration:
Okra is very susceptible to bruising and will turn black. For best quality, keep handling to a minimum; do not drop shipping containers on the floor.
Yellowing; loss of green color:
Okra is sensitive to ethylene; exposure to the gas may cause yellowing and loss of green color. Keep okra away from ethylene-producing fruits and ripening rooms.
Variety/Type Descriptions
Slightly curved, carrot-shaped pod with shallow ridges and fuzzy, green exterior. Pods range in size from 2-7 inches.
Common Packaging
Bushel baskets, crates, cartons, and hampers of various weights
Grades
U.S. No. 1
NOTE: Not all okra is graded. Ungraded okra is called “unclassified.”
Storing Tips
Okra is very perishable; use or display soon after receiving. Keep okra away from ethylene-producing fruits and ripening rooms.
Shippers
J & D PRODUCE, INC.
P.O. Box 1548, Edinburg, TX 78540
7310 N. Expressway 281, Edinburg, TX 78541
PHONE # - 956-380-0353
FAX # - 956-380-0325
CONTACT - James V. Bassetti, President & Sales
WEB SITE - www.littlebearproduce.com
E-MAIL - lrchandler@littlebearproduce.com
PARDI PRODUCE, INC.
P. O. Box 115, Edinburg, TX 78540
610 W. Cano St., Edinburg, TX 78539
PHONE # - 956-383-3818
FAX # - 956-383-6327
CONTACT - Gus DiNovo,
WEB SITE - www.pardiproduce.com
E-MAIL - pardipro@sbcglobal.net
RIO GRANDE OKRA SALES, INC.
P.O. Box 1588, Olmito, TX 78575-1588
PHONE # - 956-350-5151
FAX # - 956-350-4175
CONTACT - James Porter, President
