BellaOnline Forums Home and Garden Container Gardening Chayote in Containers

Hello Everyone,

Chayote in Containers

Well here is something to plan for, for the warm months ahead ... even though they seem far off for some!

Planning starts whenever you are ready so why not start thinking now?

Chayote belongs to the pumpkin family and is a bit like a courgette. It grows energetically and vigorously so if you need to hide a wall or put up a windbreak, then this could work, need strong support though.

Be different next year, try some if your warmer zones allow.

P S It's viviparous. Do you know what that means? I didn't, I had to look it up. Do tell if you know.

Cheers now

Hello Intrepids!

Has anyone decided to give these guys a try? I must admit I haven't so I would be pleased to hear what you have to say if you have.

Anyway, if you read the article (follow the link above if not) then you will know what viviparous means ... it means that the whole fruit is planted as a seed because the seed needs to germinate inside of this.

Here is a simple recipe to try - Farmer's markets or Latin markets or even some specialist sections in the supermarkets should have them for sale. It's a mild tasting, light green pear-shaped squash.

Sauté Chayote

To make enough for 4 -6 people take two nicely sized chayote squash, cut them in half lengthwise (like an avo), remove the pips and slice it thinly.

In a large saucepan melt 3 Tbs butter, add the chayote, 3 cloves of chopped garlic, a Tbs of chopped parsley and sauté until the chayote is crisp but still tender (it's very quick - just 3-5 minutes).

Remove from the stove, put it into your serving bowl, add 3 chopped spring onions and another Tbs of parsley.

Gently toss so that you do not break up the chayote (so what if you do, it will taste great anyway!) and serve with any dish you might serve with any other pumpkin or squash.

I had this the other night at a friend's house - Hah! She thought we wouldn't know what it was, but having written the article for Bellaonline, I was able to show off!

Anyway, let us know if you do try this, thanks.

Cheers now

Just saw this Leslie.

I made a pledge with myself to try working with a new ingredient every week...I know I've seen Chayote around my neighborhood, and I have a bunch of Mexican friends who eat this, so I'll check it out this weekend and keep you posted.