Salada de Xuxu

Xuxu, or chayote, is a crisp-textured, bland-tasting vegetable that mixes pleasingly with more dominant flavors. Its surface is oily and sticky, but a Brazilian cook taught me a little trick for easy handling. Cut the xuxu in half lengthwise and rub the halves back and forth under cold running water. The oil will rise to the surface and rinse off.