Chayote

Appears in

Published 2025

Identification: A member of the gourd or squash family, this vegetable has a crisp texture and a mild flavor somewhere between zucchini and cucumber. It is roughly pear‐shaped, although more rounded, with a thin yellow‐green skin and creamy white flesh. It is also known as mirliton and vegetable pear.
Evaluation: Look for firm, solid chayotes without blemishes.
Preparation: Skin can be left on if served raw, but peel chayotes to be cooked, because the skin toughens. The soft seed in the middle can also be eaten.
Percentage Yield: 100% if unpeeled; 85%–90% if peeled