Okra to clean wastewater?

Tarleton State University researchers have demonstrated that plant extracts from okra, have the power to remove micro-plastics from wastewater! Whaaat?!

Eddie, our head-honcho at Flat Rock Creek Ranch, is a Tarleton alum and son of two Tarleton professors. There’s no need to say that we already think the college is amazing, but when we hear stories like this, it continues to shape up as as being one that truly leaves an impact, and we’re happy to brag about them.

We love Okra! I grew it for the first time in our garden last year and found myself pausing often just to admire how beautiful their flowers are. Even if I didn’t enjoy the fruit, I think I’d continue to grow them for their upright beauty. They stand in the soil like tall hula girls with flowers in their hair. We pickled some Okra last year but quickly realized that we didn’t grow nearly enough since we were stuffing them into our cheeks before they ever made it inside. Many we just didn’t get to in time before they grew tough and woody, they’re truly best when they’re no larger than the size of your fingers. Funny enough, they’re sometime’s called “Ladyfingers” so my advice is to not let them grow into gorilla-fingers or tiny rocket ships.

Okra seems to be a southern staple, but also it’s so under-rated nutritionally, and hardly spoke of below the Midwest. They aren’t fussy to grow, and have been reported to have measurable positive effects on glucose and cholesterol levels. A family member of ours told us that working with his doctor, he discovered that Okra has been a great influence on his heart-health! Even if you don’t enjoy the flavor or texture of Okra, you can now appreciate it at least for it’s ability to grab on to little micro-plastic balls that are polluting the waters of the oceans and beyond.

Way to go Tarleton researchers! Be sure to read the the article to learn more Dr. Srinivasan and her team, the process, and what they hope for its future uses.

#tarletonuniversity #texaspride #okra #stewardship