CHAYOTE - MEXICAN SQUASH

Origin country

Croatia

Origin region

Zagreb County

Quantity available

500 kg

Courier delivery

Yes

Chayote (Mexican squash) is a plant from the Cucurbitaceae family, species *Sechium edule*, traditionally cultivated in Central and South America between 800 and 1000 meters above sea level. There are two types of chayote: spiny and spineless, while varieties are defined by color and size. The plant grows like a squash, climbing as a vine up to 12 meters high. It is primarily used for human consumption, though most people are familiar only with the fruit—both the leaves and roots are edible.

Nutritional values per 100 g of fruit:

Calories: 25 kcal

Dietary fiber: 2.2 g

Carbohydrates: 5.1 g

Proteins: 1.1 g

Fats: 0.4 mg

Vitamin C: 0.3 mg

Sodium: 0.3 mg

Potassium: 165 mg

Calcium: 22.4 mg

The tubers of the plant are eaten like potatoes and other root vegetables and can also be used as animal feed. Chayote fruit is consumed raw or cooked. When cooked, it is typically treated like zucchini—usually boiled lightly to retain its fresh taste, but it can also be fried or roasted. Raw chayote can be added to salads or salsas and is often marinated in lemon or lime juice. Due to its softness, the fruit is used in baby food, juices, sauces, and pasta. Whether raw or cooked, chayote is a good source of amino acids and vitamin C and is very low in calories.

Medicinally, chayote leaves are used in tea to break down kidney stones and treat atherosclerosis and hypertension, while the leaves and fruit have diuretic, cardiovascular, and anti-inflammatory properties.