What is Ladies' fingers?

An alternative name (because of its appearance) for okra, an ingredient that's widely used in Indian, Middle Eastern, Caribbean and southern US cookery where it's an essential ingredient in gumbo.

A long green pod with a slightly fuzzy skin, it's full of edible creamy seeds. Okra exudes a glutinous juice in cooking which thickens stews and braised dishes. It's not as popular in the UK as elsewhere but is usually available in supermarkets and grocers. Choose stems that snap cleanly and don't bend.

Okra can be eaten raw in salads or cooked with curries or vegetable stews - add a handful of chopped okra to a ratatouille.