What Is Chayote?
Chayote (Sechium edule) is a pear-shaped squash with light green, ridged, wrinkled skin; it originated in Central America and is widely grown in warm regions around the world. It has one soft, flat seed inside.
Its juicy, crisp, mildly sweet flesh has a neutral flavor, so it is versatile in both raw salads and cooked dishes. Its character falls somewhere between cucumber and squash.
Chayote Nutrition
One hundred grams of raw chayote contains approximately 19 kcal of energy, 4.5 g of carbohydrates, and 1.7 g of fiber; it is a source of vitamin C and folate. It is a very low-calorie vegetable.
What Are the Benefits of Chayote?
With very few calories and its fiber and vitamin C content, chayote can be considered a light part of a balanced diet.
This information is general; chayote is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment.
How to Choose Chayote
A good chayote is firm, light green, and blemish-free; avoid specimens that are wrinkled, soft, or beginning to sprout.
- The skin should be firm, light green, and blemish-free
- It should feel heavy and not be soft
- Do not choose sprouted or wrinkled specimens
How to Store Chayote
Store chayote in a perforated bag in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer for 1–2 weeks; keep it cool and dry. Once cut, it will keep for a few days in an airtight container.
Using Chayote in the Kitchen
Chayote can be grated raw for salads and pickles, or cooked in sautés, soups, stews, and stuffed dishes. Its neutral flavor takes on the flavor of seasonings and sauces well; the skin can be peeled or left on younger specimens.
How to Cut Chayote
Cut the chayote in half, remove the soft seed from the center, and peel it if desired; then slice, dice, or grate it. Rinse away the slippery sap under running water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat the seed of a chayote?
The single soft seed in the center is edible when cooked, although it is usually removed; the juicy flesh is the main part used.
Can chayote be eaten raw?
Yes. It can be finely grated or sliced and eaten raw in salads for a crisp texture.
Why do my hands get slippery when peeling chayote?
When cut, it releases a mildly slippery sap; this can be reduced by peeling and rinsing it under water, and some people prefer to wear gloves.