Vegetable Pear

The Vegetable Pear, or “Mirliton, ” as the Creoles have named this Vegetable, belongs to the gourd family. It is known to botanists by the name of the “One-Seeded Cucumber.” Like almost all the gourds, the plant is a vine, and is trained by the Creoles upon trellises, fences or arbors around their homes. It is not only a very ornamental vine, but an abundant bearer. The fruit, if properly prepared, as the Creoles know so well how to prepare it, is a delightful dish, and is of a very much finer flavor than Eggplants, Squashes or Pumpkins. It may be cooked in a half dozen different ways, stuffed and stewed and fried, as the Eggplant, or stewed or baked, like the Pumpkin, Squash or Cashaw. It may also be made into fritters, like Eggplants, or baked cakes. In any way that it is served it is delicious, and is a great favorite with the Creoles, especially the little children.