Chayote is a tropical trailing vine which produces fruits, which are treated more like vegetables than true fruits. The fruits are also known as chayote, or they may be called christophine, choko, Mexican squash, or vegetable pears, depending on the region. Additionally, the tuberous part of the chayote root is edible.
A member of the gourd family, chayote is very popular in Latin America and parts of the United States, and it also pops up in some Asian and European cuisine. A well stocked grocery store or a Hispanic market will generally stock chayote, although it can be costly at times.
The chayote fruit is used in both raw and cooked forms. When cooked, chayote is usually handled like summer squash, it is generally lightly cooked to retain the crisp flavor. Raw chayote may be added to salads or salsas, and it is often marinated withlemon or lime juice. It can also be eaten straight, although the bland flavour makes this a dubious endeavor. Whether raw or cooked, chayote is a good source of amino acids and vitamin C.
The tubers of the plant are eaten like potatoes and other root vegetables. In addition, the shoots and leaves can be consumed, and they are often used in salads and stir fries, especially in Asia. Like other members of the gourd family such as cucumbers, melons, and squash, chayote can get quite sprawling, and it should only be planted if there is plenty of room in the garden. The roots are also highly susceptible to rot, especially in containers, and the plant in general is finicky to grow.
Benefits of Chayote
Chayote Fruit or Sechium Edule can be eaten either raw or cooked. Choyote can also be called Sayote, Tayota, Pear Squash, Vegetable Pear, Chuchu, Chocho, Choko, Christophene, Mirliton, or even an Alligator Pear. If you look at the picture you could see how this fruit looks like a boxing glove, or an old person’s closed mouth but without the teeth Chayote is originally from Central America. While cooking, Chayote fruit is cooked lightly just like the Summer Squash. Some people like to enjoy Chayote Fruit with Salad or Salsa. Most of the people are mainly interested in the fruit, but its leaves, seeds, stem, and the root are also edible. About one cup or 132 grams of Raw Chayote Fruit contains these Nutrients:
– Vitamin B1, Thiamin
– Vitamin B2, Riboflavin
– Vitamin B3, Niacin
– Vitamin B5, Pantothenic Acid
– Vitamin B6, Pyridoxine
– Vitamin B9, Folate, Folic Acid (good amount)
– Vitamin C
– Vitamin E
– Vitamin K
– Choline
– Protein
– Calcium
– Iron
– Magnesium
– Manganese
– Copper
– Zinc
– Potassium
– Phosphorus
– Omega 3 Fatty Acids
– Omega 6 Fatty Acids
– Natural Fats
– Carbohydrates
– Dietary Fiber
– Natural Sugars
– Calories
– Amino Acids
