The world is an interesting place, this a a veggie grown in Mexico
and other parts of Latin America, make of it what you will… For those
who want more info, here’s wiki:
The chayote (Sechium edule), also known as christophene or
christophine, chuchu, cho-cho, mirliton or merleton (Creole/Cajun),
pear squash, vegetable pear, chouchoute, choko, is an edible plant
belonging to the gourd family Cucurbitaceae, along with melons,
cucumbers and squash.
Chayote is originally native to Mexico, but has been introduced as a
crop worldwide. The main growing regions are Costa Rica and Veracruz,
Mexico. Costa Rican chayotes are predominantly exported to the European
Union, whereas Veracruz is the main exporter of chayotes to the United
States.
The word chayote is a Spanish derivative of the Nahuatl word chayohtli
(pronounced [t͡ʃaˈjoʔtɬi]). Chayote was one of the many foods introduced
to Europe by early explorers, who brought back a wide assortment of
botanical samples. The Age of Conquest also spread the plant south from
Mexico, ultimately causing it to be integrated into the cuisine of many
other Latin American nations.
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 with lemon or lime juice. It can also
be eaten straight, although the bland flavor makes this a dubious
endeavor. Whether raw or cooked, chayote is a good source of amino acids
and vitamin C.
Although most people are familiar only with the fruit as being
edible, the root, stem, seeds and leaves are as well. The tubers of the
plant are eaten like potatoes and other root vegetables, while the
shoots and leaves are often consumed in salads and stir fries,
especially in Asia. Like other members of the gourd family, such as
cucumbers, melons, and squash, chayote has a sprawling habit, 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. However, in Australia and New
Zealand, it is an easily grown yard or garden plant, set on a chicken
wire support or strung against a fence.
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