Okra is harvested at an immature size, 3-7 days after flowering. Skin is tender, bruising will result in black marks on the pods. Field heat should be removed before storing at 45-50°F. Will hold for 7-10 days at 95-100% RH; do not expose to ethylene-producing vegetables, which will cause pods to yellow. Vulnerable to chilling injury below target temperature.

Quality Specifications

Harvest when fruit is bright green, pod fleshy, seeds small. Pods should be tender, not tough or fibrous; pods straight, well developed. Stem should be short, preferably cut rather than pulled, cap clean, without marks.

Common Quality Issues

Caps are torn, damaged. Rough handling causes bruising on green pods; Pods are large, fibrous.

 Yellowing may result from too high storage temperature or over maturity, and is considered a defect.