Description

🌱 Ladyfinger (Okra) Specifications – General Overview

1. Variety:

• Popular Indian Varieties for Export:

  • Pusa Sawani – Smooth, green, high yielding.

  • Arka Anamika – Uniform size, dark green color, tender pods.

  • Varsha Uphar, Parbhani Kranti – Suitable for longer shelf life and transport.

  • Hybrid Varieties – Longer, uniform size, more tender, good shelf life.

2. Size & Grading:

• Based on pod length:

  • Small: 5 – 7 cm

  • Medium: 7 – 10 cm (Most preferred for export)

  • Large: 10 – 12 cm

• Graded by:

  • Length

  • Diameter

  • Tenderness (snap test)

3. Color:

• Bright green (sometimes dark green depending on variety).

• Uniform, glossy skin with no discoloration or yellowing.

4. Shape & Texture:

• Straight or slightly curved, tapering ends.

• Smooth, firm, and tender pods.

• No ridges, fiber, or mature seeds in export-grade produce.

5. Taste:

• Mild and slightly grassy taste.

• Best flavor when harvested young and tender.

6. Moisture Content:

• High natural moisture (~90%) – hence, highly perishable.

• Needs proper post-harvest handling to retain freshness.

7. Packaging:

• Packed in ventilated plastic crates, corrugated boxes, or poly-lined cartons.

• Export pack sizes: 2 kg, 5 kg, or 10 kg boxes.

• Lined with paper or leaf to avoid moisture loss.

• Labeling with:

  • Variety

  • Grade

  • Net weight

  • Country of Origin

  • Date of packing/harvest

8. Shelf Life:

• Room temperature: 2–3 days

• In cold storage (8°C to 10°C): Up to 7–10 days

• Requires fast transport/logistics chain for export.

9. Storage Conditions:

• Temperature: 8°C to 10°C

• Relative Humidity: 90%–95%

• Avoid chilling below 7°C (causes blackening and decay).

10. Nutritional Content (per 100g):

• Calories: ~33 kcal

• Rich in:

  • Dietary Fiber

  • Vitamin C & K

  • Folate

  • Antioxidants

  • Low in fat and cholesterol