In Mexico, Panama, Nicaragua and Costa Rica it receives its name from the Nahuatl chayotl, which means thorny gourd.
It is also known as tayota in the Dominican Republic, chuchu or xuxú in Guatemala, Brazil and the Philippines, poor potato in central Chile, Chinese pumpkin or Chilean pumpkin in Peru, air potato in Argentina, chayota in Venezuela, güisquil in Guatemala and El Salvador, and you left in Honduras.
Chayote is:
- It is a fleshy, juicy vegetable, with a faint flavor, from the cucurbitaceae family and with a very tasty seed, it has an oval shape and is generally green in different shades. Depending on the variety, it weighs between 200 grams (g) and 2 kilograms.
- The plant on which it grows is a vine with guides that exceed 6 meters in length, its leaves are heart-shaped and rough, which measure between 10 and 15 centimeters (cm).
- In addition to the fruit, its guides, leaves and root called chinchayote or cueza are also used.
- It is native to the south of the country and the north of Central America, but Mexico is considered the center of origin and domestication of this vegetable.
In the country's markets there are three types of chayotes: the common, the hedgehog and the white.
- The common chayote is light green in color, with thin skin and whitish green flesh with a mild flavor. It is found throughout the year throughout the national territory, which is why it is the most used of the three.
- The hedgehog chayote is dark green with thick skin covered in spines. Its flesh is dark green, slightly lighter than the skin, its flavor is also mild, but with more character than that of common chayote. It is larger than the common chayote and its weight generally exceeds 500 g. They are found in many regions of Mexico, although it is more common in the central states of the country, and is unknown in other regions.
- The white chayote is pale yellow and small, as it does not exceed 12 cm in length. It is sold more and more frequently in markets in the center of the country, but it is not widely used in regional cuisine.
What nutrients and benefits does it provide?
- Its high water level makes it ideal for combating constipation.
- Lacking saturated fat, chayote helps level and control cholesterol in the body.
- Its high content of vitamin B2 and iron stimulate the production of red blood cells to prevent or combat anemia.
- Regulates blood pressure as it is a good source of potassium.
- Helps treat kidney stones
- Excellent natural agent to prevent strokes.
- It contains 20 calories per 100 grams, so it helps you lose weight easily.
- The zinc contained in chayote helps the formation of enzymes and significantly improves metabolism.
- Prevents cancer thanks to its antioxidant properties.
- Avoid liquid retention.
- Chayote is a source of energy for the body and works much better than any energy drink.
How is it recommended to consume it?
- Whether baked or boiled, chayote is widely used in stews, broths and all types of preparations.
- It is only not recommended to consume it fried or seasoned.
- The fruit is usually eaten, but you can also use its guides and leaves in soups, salads or stews.
We give you some healthy and tasty recipes so you can prepare different dishes.
chayote cream
Ingredients (4 servings):
- 3 chayotes, peeled and cubed
- ¼ onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 3/4 liter of vegetable broth
- ½ cup amaranth
- 1 cup parsley leaves
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup slivered almonds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Sauté (Fry food over low heat until lightly golden) the onion and garlic.
- Add the chayotes, amaranth and parsley.
- Add the vegetable broth.
- Season and cover.
- Boil for 10 minutes.
- Blend all the preparation.
- Add the corn kernels and slivered almonds to garnish and serve.
Chayote salad with avocado
Ingredients (4 servings):
- 3 chayotes, peeled and chopped
- 1 avocado sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped red onion
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
Preparation:
- Boil the chayotes.
- Remove from water.
- Mix with remaining ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve.
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