Chayote

Other Names:vegetable pear, chcocho, christophene (France), mirlton

What is Chayote?

Pronounced [chah-YOH-teh] The chayote is another native Mexican plant and is a member of the squash family. It is also referred to as a "vegetable pear" or chcocho. In France the chayote is called a christophene. The flesh is quite crisp something like a water chestnut. Chayotes come in two common varieties, the smooth variety shown and a prickly variety (covered in spines).Article - History, uses, recipes, how to grow

Substitute for Chayote

The best substitutes for chayote squash include:

Equal amounts of zucchini
OR - Crookneck squash
OR - Small yellow summer squash
OR - Patty Pan squash

Winter squashes such as delicata, or banana, or butternut are not good substitutes for chayote.

Equivalents

1 medium chayote = 1 pound

metric conversions →

Summer Squash

Nutrition Information For Chayote

Serving Size

1 cup (1" pieces)

Calories

Calories from Fat

% Daily Value^*

Total Fat 0g

Saturated Fat 0g

Cholesterol 0mg

Sodium 3mg

Potassium

165g

Total Carbohydrate 6g

Dietary Fiber 2g

10%

Sugars 2g

Protein 1g

Vitamin A 0%	•	Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 0%	•	Iron 0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Favorite Chayote Recipes

Chayote Salad
Chayote Salad recipe is made with diced fresh chayote, then combined with green onions, tomatoes, red bell peppers and basil. You can dress the salad with a simple vinaigrette or even mayonnaise. Chayote can be found in some well-stocked grocery stores or most Mexican markets.
Creole Style Stuffed Chayote
A Creole style Stuffed Chayote recipe combines chayote with onions, tomatoes, herbs, crab and shrimp meat. Once the chayote are stuffed they are baked for about 25 minutes in the oven. This dish makes a good main course.
Vegetable Tacos
This recipe for Vegetable Tacos can be made with any of your favorite vegetables but in this variation we use 3 types of squash. The vegetables are roasted on a grill. The Cilantro Pesto brings out the flavor.
Grilled Chayote Squash
This is a simple recipe for grilled chayote squash topped with olive oil and mozzarella cheese.This would work well as a side dish for grilled steak or pork. You could alternately roast the chayote in the oven but grilling gives it a preferred flavor.

Related Recipes

Learn About Chayote Squash

This article is about chayote squash, a fruit we eat like a vegetable which is common in Mexico eaten raw in salads or cooked. Learn about the history, how to grow your own and find some recipes too. More

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