Al-Ahsa Governorate abounds with a variety of summer fruits and vegetables in its food basket. These days, markets are active selling seasonal products and crops, with increasing demand from residents of the Eastern Province and neighboring countries, most notably 'Al-Ahsa okra'.

It is customary in Al-Ahsa to call the local okra by its known type 'Al-Khonaysari okra,' likening it to the size of the little finger, or 'cardamom okra,' likening it to cardamom seeds, by farmers in fields and orchards, or when used in cooking, due to its small size, extreme tenderness, and shape resembling a large cardamom pod when freshly picked.

Farmers harvest 'okra' during this period about three months after planting. It is characterized by its light green color, sweet taste, abundant yield, and high nutritional value. The fruit requires special care, such as harvesting at an appropriate growth stage, picking early in the morning when temperatures are low, and during shipping and marketing.

The fruit is picked one day and left the next to maintain the small size and desired tenderness. During sorting, care is taken to discard large fruits that reduce the crop's market value, as consumers prefer small to medium-sized, high-quality okra. Okra is now widely available in various markets and vegetable and fruit shops, after being packed directly from farms in boxes or baskets weighing between 10 and 12 kilograms, then offered for sale. Prices vary according to supply and quality.

Dr. Mohamed Al-Mougy, professor in the Department of Arid Land Agriculture at the College of Agricultural and Food Sciences at King Faisal University, explained that okra in general contains fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and pectin substances that have multiple health benefits.

He pointed out the importance of continuous harvesting day after day, as the fruits grow in cycles. If large fruits remain on the plant, it prevents the growth of new fruits. Leaving them to grow large on the plant leads to reduced fruit quality, fibrosis, lower sugar content, and the start of seed formation and hardening. He also emphasized the importance of placing the fruits in the shade after harvest away from heat and humidity, and discarding any damaged or deformed fruits.

For his part, seasonal agriculture specialist Abdullah Al-Salem explained that Al-Ahsa okra is a crop in demand for its pleasant taste, distinctive color, and size. It is grown in two seasons: winter and summer. He noted that the current summer season is the most productive and in demand, with harvesting continuing until the beginning of next August. He added that okra cultivation requires abundant irrigation and protection from dust and other factors. Al-Ahsa oasis is known for growing fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, cowpeas, blackberries, figs, green lemons, and others.