How to Dry Okra Seeds

Okra brings a unique flavor to the table and is versatile to be either a savored summer vegetable, or used as a dried ornamental plant. Either way, okra seeds can be effortlessly harvested, dried and saved for next season. Once the vegetable begins to develop on the okra plant, growth is often quick and okra pods become tough and woody within a few days. The vegetable is best when harvested while young and tender.

Okra plant

Sharp, small knife or small pair of scissors

Drying screen (old window screen works well)

Gloves

Tin pie plate

Glass jar with lid

Paper towel

Put gloves on prior to harvesting okra pods. The okra plant has tiny hairs that can be irritating to sensitive skin.

Using a sharp knife or small pair of scissors, cut mature, toughened okra pods from the plant at the base of the stem.

Place okra pods on drying screen and position in a warm, dry, well-ventilated, moisture-free area to dry.

Rotate okra pods every other day to ensure even drying.

Allow pods to dry completely; two to six weeks, depending on temperatures and environment. Pods are dry when you can hear the seeds rattle inside when you shake them.

Open pods to remove seeds over a tin pie plate.

Store dry seeds in a glass jar with the lid sealed until the next planting season.

Soak dried seeds overnight in a moist paper towel prior to planting to facilitate germination.