Why is it called lady finger?

A more common name for lady fingers would be okra. Many people refer to this vegetable as okra. Okra does somewhat resemble a feminine lady’s finger. It is thin and long and it looks like there is a fingernail which is why it is named that. Okra or lady fingers are vegetables that are usually cut into small bite-size pieces. They are then breaded and fried. Sometimes, okra is cut and put in stews or soups.

However, okra is a little slimy when you cut into it. Even though okra is bright green in color, the shape of it is why okra is referred to as lady fingers. Although, southerners who frequently fry and serve okra on a frequent basis only know this vegetable as okra and not lady fingers.

A lady's finger vegetable is not to be confused with the ladyfinger cookie. In many areas, this vegetable is called "okra," but the name lady's fingers came about in English-speaking countries. Okra has been called lady's fingers in several countries because of the fact it is long, curved, and tapered at the end—very much like a lady's delicate finger. Some say the plant and vegetable are native to Africa, while others claim South Asia.

Regardless as to where it's from, it is popular in gumbos, raw in salads, or pickled, as well as helping to alleviate malnutrition in poverty-stricken areas. Lady's fingers also have seeds that can be roasted and ground for a caffeine free substitute of coffee.