Well, the last photo quiz was over faster than you can say Abelmoschus esculentus. Or look up its definition on wikipedia. I admit, I was stunned by both such a quick correct response and its Latin name. Normal people (those who didn’t guess it right away) know this vegetable as okra or gumbo.
Since we’re talking fancy botanical terms, I will have you know that okra belongs to the Malvaceae (or Mallow) family that also includes such plants as hibiscus, jute, cotton, cocoa, cola nut, and most notably, baobab. Now you surely realize why this flower looked so familiar…
This particular variety is called Tokyo Gokaku. According to Kitazawa Seed’s website that I ordered it from, “This extra early Japanese okra produces 3″ long, dark green pentagonal pods. The tender, high quality fruit is short and round and has excellent flavor.”
Here’s the photo of its fruit that I just took, about 10 days since the flowering:
I read recently that you have to pick okra within a week after the pods are formed; otherwise it becomes too woody and tough. So, we have to hurry and see.
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I’m afraid that today’s photo quiz candidate might be too easy to identify. But I really liked the photo, so I’m posting it anyway. If you’re insulted by its obviousness, feel free to skip directly to the practical questions below.
What am I?
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Practical questions. For a while now, I have been pondering the potential necessity/usefulness of the following 3 gadgets for our kitchen:
- Juicer (masticating, I guess?)
- Food dehydrator
- Pasta maker
If you own (or have researched) any of these items, please let me know if they’re worth owning (i.e. how often do you really use them?) and/or whether you would recommend any specific brand/model. A big feral thank you in advance!
Finally, and most importantly, stay cool and well-hydrated, wherever you are!!!
feral,
It is probably some kind of allium.
You have to do better than that to impress me after okra!
On a juice machine, being a devote juicer for years finally gave up and switched to a Vitamix blender for good. Tons of thoughts and research. Enjoying it much. No waste. No cons. Very versatile, quick and efficient. Expensive, that’s the only con, but worth it totally.
Thank you very much!!! Reading reviews for those now and am very impressed. My only little concern is that as the garden grows, won’t I need a juicer for just juicing stuff? Apples and such?
husband says we will take “garlic” for $500
go bigger — in terms of the flower.
leeks, then.
FINGO! (feral bingo)
oh, it was actually my guess on leeks! yeaaaah! i got a FINGO (or should we say it was a fikh bingo?)
It’s great that your family is so familiar with the allium family! Are you related to Cipollino, perchance?