Chayote | Description, Uses, Vegetable, & Facts (2024)

FAQs

Chayote | Description, Uses, Vegetable, & Facts? ›

Chayote is native to the New World tropics and is also grown as an annual plant in temperate climates. The fruits are boiled, baked, or sautéed as a vegetable and taste similarly to cooked cucumber or zucchini. Chayote can be eaten raw, though the peel contains a sap that can cause skin irritation in some people.

Chayote may contain compounds that protect against fat buildup in the liver, which can cause fatty liver disease. Studies have found the squash can help reduce fatty acid deposits in livers and lower cholesterol levels. The food might also help improve the body's metabolism and ability to process fats.

Fun facts about chayote:

The vines of the chayote plant are durable but flexible, and are used in the making of hats and baskets. The word for chayote in Brazil is “chuchu” (or “xuxu”), which is also an affectionate name for someone such as “cutie” or “sweetie.”

Chayote is a mild-tasting squash with a crisp texture that's low in calories yet high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protective plant compounds. Regularly consuming chayote may provide several health benefits, from improving the body's antioxidant defenses to lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Yes, chayote can be eaten raw. Its mild, crisp texture and subtle flavor make it a refreshing addition to salads or as a raw snack. However, it can also be cooked in various dishes to enhance its versatility.

Chayote, also known as mirliton squash or vegetable pear because of its pear-like shape and size, is pale green on the outside, with white flesh on the inside. It's crunchy and mild "with a slightly sweet taste and light notes of cucumber," according to Specialty Produce.

Native to Central America, chayote was a staple food for the Aztecs when European explorers encountered it. Its cultivation spread throughout the Caribbean and into the American South, then onto India and Asia.

As a short day plant, chayote only initiates flowering when day length is less than about 12 hours. Fruit development takes 1–2 months after pollination. Harvest when the fruit is about 4–6 inches in diameter, at 4–5 months after planting.

Light green is the color you want it to be, but sometimes they can range from dark green to white. Avoid chayotes that are multi-colored – that's a sign of aging. Chayotes that appear white means they're overly ripe. Finally, choose chayotes that are small in size.

Chayote (Sechium edule) is a type of squash that belongs to the gourd family Cucurbitaceae. It originally hails from central Mexico and various parts of Latin America but is now grown all over the world. It's also known as mirliton squash or chocho.

How long is chayote good for? ›

Unopened and stored at room temperature, a chayote squash typically lasts for about 2-4 weeks.

Possible side effects

Boiled chayote may contain about 277 milligrams of potassium. Potassium may interfere with the metabolism of some medications meant to reduce blood pressure. Therefore, individuals using these medications should take chayote with caution.

Ideal storage temperatures are reported to be 50 to 60°F (10 to 15.5°C); below this they are likely to show signs of chilling injury. To prevent drying out, place the chayote in a closed container or plastic bag in the refrigerator to maintain the humidity needed (ideally 90%) and store for up to a month.

The fiber content in chayote is particularly beneficial for diabetics, as it can help in the slow release of glucose into the bloodstream, thereby preventing spikes in blood sugar levels. Its low carbohydrate count also contributes to better blood sugar control, an important aspect of diabetes management.

Chayote, also known as mirliton squash or vegetable pear because of its pear-like shape and size, is pale green on the outside, with white flesh on the inside. It's crunchy and mild "with a slightly sweet taste and light notes of cucumber," according to Specialty Produce.

Choose squash that feels heavy and extra firm with bright green skin that has no blemishes or wrinkles. Large chayotes and those that have wrinkled skin can taste tough and dry.

Chayote is a low-glycemic food. The glycemic load of a single cup serving is estimated to range between one and two, regardless of whether it is cooked or raw. A low glycemic food is digested and metabolized slowly and therefore raises blood sugar at a slower rate than foods with higher glycemic indexes.

Culinary uses. Although many people are familiar only with the fruit as being edible, the root, stem, seeds and leaves are edible 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.