They should have a slightly fuzzy texture, almost like the skin of a peach.

At home, don’t rinse okra until you’re ready to use it.

Store okra in a loose cotton towel or paper bag in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Okra on a wooden cutting board

Photo:Crystal Hughes

To trim okra, slice off the top stem end where the okra was snipped off the plant.

ensure not to cut into the body of the seed pod and release the mucilage yet.

After slicing, use the rounds immediately.

Okra on a white kitchen towel

Crystal Hughes

Step 2

Slice each pod crosswise into rounds, cutting at least 1/2 inch thick.

Step 3

If desired, slice each half lengthwise once more to make 4 quarters.

Soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour, then drain and pat completely dry before cutting the okra.

A hand cutting the stem of an okra on a wooden cutting board

Crystal Hughes

High heat can also seal in the slime before it has a chance to make a mess.

A hand slicing okra on a wooden cutting board

Crystal Hughes

A hand slicing okra the long way on a wooden cutting board

Crystal Hughes

A hand slicing okra the long way, and then cutting the long pieces in half, on a wooden cutting board

Crystal Hughes