Chayote Squash – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What is chayote squash?

If you’re like most people who only know the basic fruits and veggies, you’re probably wondering, what is chayote squash?

Chayote squash (also known as Choko, custard marrow, mirliton, or pear) is an alkaline summer squash originating from Central America. The leaves, roots, stems, and seeds are all typically eaten. It’s technically considered a fruit — kind of like a tomato — and it’s packed with tons of good things your body needs to thrive. You can eat the whole plant cooked or raw.

Chayote squash is usually a light green, pear-shaped, thin-skinned vegetable that can weigh up to three-quarters of a pound. It can help add texture to spicy dishes, desserts, and soups, thanks to its crunchy texture and mild taste.

Where did chayote squash originate from?

Chayote originated from Central America and was cultivated by the Aztecs in ancient times. But it has since made its way to regions like the Dominican Republic and Florida, and it varies slightly in color from place to place.

In Jamaica, the chayote is called the Cho-cho, in Brazil, it’s called Chuchu, and in Honduras, it’s called Pataste.

What are the benefits of eating chayote squash?

Chayote has plenty of health benefits. It’s not only rich in nutrients like essential vitamins, fiber, and minerals, but is low in calories and provides 2g of protein per 203g (equal to one chayote squash). But that’s just the beginning. It also has high levels of several antioxidants, like morin and quercetin. Eating chayote squash will also give you the following superpowers:

• Improved heart health
• Improved blood sugar
• May kick your liver function into high-gear
• Digestion becomes a breeze
• Can slow visible signs of aging
• It helps you keep your weight where you want it

Chayote is a great source of folate, and it’s a natural antimicrobial. The general consensus is that fruits and vegetables (when eaten regularly) can help lower the risk of getting cancer. Since chayote falls into the fruit category, it may help prevent cancer. Shop fresh vegetables now to gain these benefits.

Furthermore, research has shown that certain compounds in chayote squash can inhibit the growth of some cancer cells, like cervical cancer and leukemia cells.

Get fresh produce delivery to your door with Instacart’s same-day delivery, and you’ll have chayote on your plate in no time.

How is chayote squash grown?

Chayote plants are a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes squash and cucumbers. Chayote is grown in Mexico and Guatemala since pre-Columbian times. But these days, they’re also grown in Florida, Louisiana, and the southwestern U.S. However, most of the chayote eaten in the U.S. is imported from Puerto Rico and Costa Rica.

Chayote can be sprouted by preparing a hill with a mix of 20lbs of manure and soil in a 4 x 4-ft area that gets plenty of sunlight. The whole fruit can be used as a seed to grow the plant.

To grow it, pick a mature chayote squash — it’ll improve the chances of your seed sprouting. Once you’ve got your mature chayote, put it in a plastic bag and wrap it up (but not too tightly).

Make sure not to overwater it because the plant already has plenty of water and nutrients to feed the seed. You can expect to get about 50 to 100 chayote squash out of just one seed.

When is chayote squash in season?

While it’s usually available year-round, chayote squash’s peak season is the fall and sometimes in the late spring (October to May). When you’re ready to grab yourself some, no need to go searching online for “fresh produce near me” or “chayote squash near me.” With same-day pickup or delivery, you’ll have just what you need for dinner.

How do you pick chayote squash at the grocery store?

When shopping for some for your next meal, try to find firm, evenly colored, blemish-free chayotes. Look for one that’s about the same texture as a pepper, meaning avoid any that seem overly wrinkled. Don’t forget to check for blemishes and bruising.

Make sure that the chayote you choose only has one color. Light green is the color you want it to be, but sometimes they can range from dark green to white. Avoid chayotes that are multi-colored – that’s a sign of aging. Chayotes that appear white means they’re overly ripe.

Finally, choose chayotes that are small in size. It should be about 6cm long with no indentation. The smaller the fruit, the younger it typically is. The bigger chayotes usually lack flavor and don’t taste very good.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for chayote squash via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for chayote squash.

How to store chayote squash?

Before you handle chayote, make sure to wear gloves to prevent contact with the sap that can seep out because it can irritate your skin. Store chayote in a cool, dark place and use it within a few days. You can store it at room temperature, but not for too long. You can also just pop it in the fridge if you’re worried about them spoiling before you get a chance to use them. Even in the fridge, it’s best to use them within a few days.

Another option is to store them in the freezer if you need to store them for a longer period of time. The freezer can help keep your chayote fresh for a few months. But before you freeze it, chop it up into pieces and blanch them for three to four minutes. Then, spread the pieces on a baking sheet far enough apart that they don’t touch each other. Put it in the freezer for a while and then transfer the chopped-up pieces to a freezer bag to store long-term.

How to tell if chayote squash is bad

When chayote goes bad, you’ll see a change in color, smell, and taste. To test out the freshness of chayote before buying it, check the surface of the chayote to see if there are any dark spots or signs of mold. Also, give the fruit a good sniff to see if it smells bad. Finally, check the color. Normally, chayote is light green in color. If the color seems a little off, avoid buying it.

What can I substitute for chayote squash?

If you can’t find chayote, you can substitute it with squashes like zucchini and small yellow summer squash. You can also try crookneck squash or pattypan squash. Avoid winter squashes as they’re not really a great substitute for chayote.

Choosing the freshest chayote squash

Choosing the best chayote squash is as simple as checking the color, smell, and taste. Remember to check the firmness and to look out for blemishes, indentations, and mold. Keep the above tips in mind when shopping for fresh produce with Instacart.

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