Mucilage is the term for the slimy substance that oozes from okra when it's cut. Although this water-soluble fiber works well as a thickener in dishes like gumbo, it’s not particularly appealing on its own. From my experience, high temperatures appear to make the mucilage evaporate. I haven’t found any scientific studies to confirm this—it's based on my own observations. After frying, the okra I prepared had no slime at all.