Okra, also known as "lady's fingers," is a warm-season vegetable with edible seed pods. These pods, typically green or red, have a unique, slightly fuzzy texture. Okra is known for its mucilage, a substance that becomes somewhat slimy when cooked, which makes it a popular thickening agent in soups and stews like gumbo. It's a nutritious vegetable, rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Okra is used in diverse cuisines worldwide, particularly in Southern American, Indian, and African dishes.