Vendakkai
Vendakkai is a traditional vegetable.
Though in English
Vendakkai is called "Okra", in India it is commonly known as "Lady's finger" because it resembles shape of a lady's finger.
Other than mass cultivation, Okra are commonly found grown in the backyard of country side homes. Nowadays Balcony gardening is picking up in the cities and Vendakkai is one of the vegetables grown at home.
Vendakkai has many health benefits.
It is said to improve brain functions.
Lady's finger is famous through out India in all cuisine.
Vendakkai cut:
Vendakkai pieces are used to make Vendakkai Sambar or Kuzhambu. Vendakkai can also be used to make side dish like poriyal and Kootu.
Buying the right vendakkai is very important. If it is too old or young it is difficult to chew. So the buying trick is, try bending the bottom portion of each Vendakkai. If it breaks then it is good one. If it bends then do not buy.
Popular dish where Vendakkai is used:
As a main vegetable ingredient in Sambar or Kuzhambu.
Spelling variations in Tamil name for Okra:
Vendakkai, Venda kai, Vendagai, Vendakka, Lady's finger, Ladies finger, Vendaikai, Vendai kkai