Chayote Squash

Ishkush is a delicious mild flavored squash that grows on a climbing vine. It is a pear-shaped, lime-green squash with crispy white flesh and a single large, soft seed. In scientific journals, it is called Sechium edules SW. Chayote squash is one of the easiest vegetables to grow in warm tropical or subtropical climates. In Nepal, the chayote plant is treated as a summer annual or perennial and once it begins to grow, it can take over the whole garden. Its vine climbs wildly over and across roofs, over fences, and up and around trees. The chayote plant does well where there is an abundance of full sun that helps yield fruits. It is a favorite and staple vegetable for those who live in the hilly parts of Nepal as one single plant can provide 75 to 90 squashes in a season.