TAIWAN OKRA (PREORDER)

~40 lbs Taiwan Okra aka "Luffa Gourds", "Smooth Luffa", "Sponge Gourd", "Tai-Wan-Si-Gua", "台湾丝瓜", "台灣絲瓜" Taiwan okra resembles the shape of a cucumber but is much bigger in size and with rough skin. Taiwan okra is consumed in a similar way as Chinese okra. The flesh is light green and the skin and seeds are usually removed before cooking. Taiwan okra has a texture and flavor between cucumber and zucchini. It is commonly stir fry or cook in soup with clam. Handling Tip Selection Taiwan okra is straight, plump with a uniform green color, and unblemished. Taiwan okra yields slightly when squeezed. Avoid Taiwan okra that is too firm because they are over mature. Storage Taiwan okra should be stored at 50°F - 54°F (10°C - 12°C) with a relative humidity of ninety to ninety-five percent and with mist. The typical shelf life is up to two weeks. Taiwan okra is sensitive to ethylene, a naturally occurring gas that regulates ripening. Taiwan okra should not be stored with high ethylene-producing products to extend shelf life and avoid loss of green color and reduced quality. Taiwan okra produces a very low level of ethylene. Taiwan okra is sensitive to chilling injury at storage under 50°F (10°C). Symptoms include skin discoloration, watery lesions under the skin, and enhanced decay.