An herbaceous perennial vine related to gourds. The flesh may be baked, stuffed, steamed and sauteed.
This vegetable specimen is a diminutive gourd characterized by a compressed neck that spans a few inches in diameter. Its external layer showcases a vivid verdant hue while its delectable and appetizing internal flesh displays a subtle shade of green. Its constitution boasts of a specific level of hardness even after it has undergone the process of cooking, thereby rendering it suitable for various culinary techniques.
Chayote is a pear-shaped vegetable that is typically green or white in color, with a single seed. It is a member of the cucumber and squash family and is indigenous to Mexico and the West Indies. The skin of the chayote can be ridged and covered in small, soft spines, while the flesh is a pale green. Although it is exported from Algeria to Europe, chayote is now grown successfully in the United States, specifically in California, Louisiana, and Florida. This vegetable is known by a variety of names, including mirliton (New Orleans), vegetable pear (Florida), custard marrow (Great Britain), and brionne (France).