Suhail okra season brings the popular vegetable to Basra markets

BASRA, September 7 — The Suhail okra, sourced from the farms in Basra’s Al-Madaina district, has arrived in Basra markets. The variety is favored by customers, despite its higher price.

The name is linked to the appearance of the Suhail star, which can be seen with the naked eye at this time of year. Its appearance on the southern horizon at dawn signals the countdown to the end of the summer season. Its scientific name is “Canopus.”

Abu Hussein, a seller of the okra variety, stated, “The Suhail okra harvesting season has arrived and it is grown mainly in Al-Madaina district and its surroundings, and it is now available in local markets.”

This crop is usually planted at the end of June and the beginning of July.

The price per kilogram ranges between 5,000 to 6,000 Iraqi dinars, and the residents of northern Basra prefer the taste of this particular type of okra. Some individuals choose to buy it in bulk, freeze it, and have it year-round.

Okra is planted twice in northern Basra each year: once in the spring, in March, and again at the end of June and the beginning of July.