A Taste of India Blooms in Chorleywood

This year’s glorious summer sunshine has brought an unexpected taste of the tropics to Chorleywood, where an okra plant has successfully flowered in a local garden.

More commonly associated with the warm climates of India, Africa and the Caribbean, okra – also known as bhindi or lady’s finger – is not something you would normally expect to see flourishing in Hertfordshire.

But thanks to this summer’s exceptional sunshine and plenty of care, local resident Deena has successfully nurtured the plant, which has produced a beautiful, delicate okra flower.

“I’ve given it lots of love and attention, but I think the sunshine deserves plenty of the credit,” says Deena. “It’s wonderful to see something we associate with much warmer countries growing here in Chorleywood.”

Okra loves heat and sunshine, making the British climate a challenge for keen growers. Its beautiful flowers eventually give way to the familiar green pods used in dishes around the world.

For Deena, it’s a little piece of Indian culinary tradition flourishing at home – and proof of what a sunny Chorleywood summer can produce.