Chayote

Chayote, also known as christofine or vegetable pear, is a tropical vegetable from the gourd family, native to Central America. The fruits are pear-shaped, light green, with a tender, crisp flesh and a mildly sweet flavour. It can be eaten raw or cooked, it works well in salads, soups, stews and as a side dish. Chayote easily absorbs the flavours of spices and herbs, making it a very versatile ingredient. In addition to the fruits, the leaves and roots of the plant are also edible. It is rich in fibre, vitamin C and potassium, while being very low in calories.