i cant remember when maw maw made it or how.  shouldnt matter but in spring or summer the leaves will probably be more pungent.  didnt really care for the flavor anyway.  didnt care for the tea either. when i make gumbo or deer stew i use okra.  i posted a pretty good gumbo recipe on here several years ago.

maybe LAman will chime in.  if bowriter was still around he'd could tell you i bet.