Chayote Squash

Scientific Binomial Name: Sechium edule

Chayote is member of the squash family that originated in Mexico but can now be found throughout the world if you know where to look. Depending on where you live, Chayote may be called a vegetable pear, chcocho, or christophene. It's flavor is described as a cross between a turnip, cucumber and zucchini.

Selection Information

Other Names: Vegetable Pear and Christophene

Usage: Use like a squash - steam, bake, stuff or fry.

Selection: Good-quality chayote will be firm, unblemished and light to medium-green in color. The skin may be either smooth or rough.

Avoid: Avoid product that is soft or blemished.

Seasonal Information

Chayote squash is available year-round, peaking September through May.

Chayote Squash Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 132g
Amount Per Serving
Calories 25	Calories from Fat 0
	% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0	0%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 6g	2%
Dietary Fiber 2g	9%
Sugars 2g
Protein 1g
Vitamin A 0%	Vitamin C 17%
Calcium 2%	Iron 2%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Source: PMA's Labeling Facts

Chayote Squash is very low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium. It's also a good source of Niacin, Vitamin B6, Pantothenic Acid, Magnesium and Potassium, and an excellent source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folate, Zinc, Copper and Manganese.

Chayote Squash Tips & Trivia

The chayote, a member of the gourd family, originated in Mexico and is used throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
The word chayote is derived from the Nahuatl word chayotli.