Chayote, Mirliton, Cho Ko, Cho-Cho, Vegetable Pear

Sechium edule

Physical Characteristics

Sechium edule is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 12 m (39ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, Insects, Parthenocarpic. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

C. America - Guatemala, southern Mexico.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Fruit Leaves Root Seed Shoots Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[296 , 301 ]. The fruits can vary in flavour, from bland or starchy to sweetish, depending on the cultivar[299 ]. They can be boiled or baked as a vegetable[298 ]. They can be mixed with lime juice and used as a substitute for apples in pies[301 ]. Fruits of bland cultivars are used industrially as food fillers for pastes and sauces[299 ]. Because of their low energy value, the fruits are gaining importance as a dietary food in hospitals and nursing homes, and are also considered good baby food[299 ]. The fruit is normally used when immature and before the seed has enlarged[299 , 300 ]. The obovoid fruit is up to 18cm long[200 ]. Seed - cooked[299 , 301 ]. Nut-like in flavour[299 ]. The mature, protruding seeds are considered by some to be the best part of this fruit[301 ]. When deep-fried they taste remarkably like french-fried potatoes[301 ]. The seeds are a good source of protein[299 ]. Tuber - raw or cooked[298 ]. They are boiled, baked, fried and candied in syrup[301 ]. The starch-rich tuber can weigh up to 5 kilos[298 ]. Young leaves and stem tips - cooked as a vegetable[298 , 299 ]. Eaten like asparagus[301 ]. A good source of iron, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin[298 ]. Flowers[331 ].

Medicinal Uses

Diuretic Hypotensive Kidney An infusion of the shredded fruit is used to lower blood pressure[348 ]. The tubers are a potent diuretic and are also applied for pulmonary ailments and relief of intestinal inflammation[299 ]. The leaves are said to possess cardiovascular modifying as well as blood pressure lowering properties and to dissolve kidney stones[299 ].

Known Hazards

None known