Ingredient Name:  Chayote also known as Vegetable Pear, Christophine, ChoCho and Mirliton Traditional Chinese Name: 合掌瓜 (hup jeung gwa) What is this?

  • The pear-shaped fruit of the chayote plant, which grow on vines (similar to cucumbers)
  • They are in the same family as melons, cucumbers and squash
  • They are wrinkly with a thin skin that is fused with the white flesh
  • It is relatively bland in taste and has a texture that is a cross between cucumber and potato
  • They are more often used in Chinese soups, but can also be found as stir fried in dishes

How do I prepare it?

  • Simply wash in cool water
  • Cut into cubes of halves for soup usage
  • Some people prefer to peel the skin, although that is not necessary (keeping the skin will help keep the chayote in place and not disintegrate into the soup)

Where can I buy this?

  • You can buy this in most Asian supermarkets
  • You can purchase this at the wet mart in Hong Kong

What is the cost?

  • A chayote costs around $6-7 HKD each

Any benefits?

  • The fruit is very rich in vitamin A & C, amino acids, potassium (which help remove unwanted moisture from the body) and zinc
  • It is a good source of carbohydrates and has no fat
  • It is often used in soups that relieve cough and colds and is an ideal source of nutrition for children
  • Chayotes are great diuretics and help remove wet heat and dampness from the body
  • They are often used in cleansing diets and ideal for season and weather changing times
  • Chayotes contain no cholesterol

Any precautions?

  • Be sure you wash the fruit very well  to remove pesticides

Additional Information?

  • Chayote can keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks

References: