How to save okra seeds?

[lurley]

This is my first year growing okra. I have some beautiful pods on my Louisiana round green velvet okra that look ready to pick. My question is, can I save seeds from these or do I have to let them sit on the plant and get "old" before I will have viable seeds. These seeds were hard for me to find, so I want to save them and need to know when they are viable and if there is any special process for saving them. Thanks in advance.