How to Dry Okra Seeds

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By Patricia Hill
eHow Contributing Writer

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Okra brings a unique flavor to the table and is versatile to be either a savored summer vegetable, or used as a dried ornamental plant. Either way, okra seeds can be effortlessly harvested, dried and saved for next season. Once the vegetable begins to develop on the okra plant, growth is often quick and okra pods become tough and woody within a few days. The vegetable is best when harvested while young and tender.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Okra plant
Sharp, small knife or small pair of scissors
Drying screen (old window screen works well)
Gloves
Tin pie plate
Glass jar with lid
Paper towel

How to Dry Okra Seeds

Step 1

Put gloves on prior to harvesting okra pods. The okra plant has tiny hairs that can be irritating to sensitive skin.
Step 2

Using a sharp knife or small pair of scissors, cut mature, toughened okra pods from the plant at the base of the stem.
Step 3

Place okra pods on drying screen and position in a warm, dry, well-ventilated, moisture-free area to dry.
Step 4

Rotate okra pods every other day to ensure even drying.
Step 5

Allow pods to dry completely; two to six weeks, depending on temperatures and environment. Pods are dry when you can hear the seeds rattle inside when you shake them.
Step 6

Open pods to remove seeds over a tin pie plate.
Step 7

Store dry seeds in a glass jar with the lid sealed until the next planting season.