Ladies Finger

Ladies Finger

Keeping ladies' finger (okra/bhindi) in water before cutting is sometimes done for a few practical reasons:

1. To clean it: Soaking or rinsing helps remove dirt, dust and surface residues.

2. To reduce surface stickiness: Washing can remove some of the sticky material on the surface, but it does not eliminate the natural mucilage inside.

3. To keep it fresh: A brief rinse can help remove dirt before preparation.

However, there's an important cooking tip:

If you want to avoid slimy ladies' finger while cooking, don't soak it for too long. Wash it first and then dry it completely with a kitchen towel before cutting.

The moisture on the cut surfaces can increase the slimy texture during cooking.

Kitchen tip: For a dry ladies' finger fry, ensure the vegetable is completely dry before slicing.