Chayote is an annual fruit cum vegetable belonging to the squash family. It is rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals and low in calories. Hence, it is a great addition to the meals of those looking to lose weight and gain health.
What does Chayote taste like?
Chayote can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in various forms such as frying, stir-frying, baking, and curried. It is usually bland in taste but crunchy and juicy in texture. Hence when you add spices, herbs, and other flavouring ingredients, it makes for a yummy meal option.
Health Benefits and Nutrition
It’s health benefits include:
- lowering of blood sugar levels
- provides essential water soluble Vitamins such as Folate, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K to support immune system and brain function
- good source of minerals such as Manganese, Copper, Zinc, and Potassium to support heart health and kidneys
- rich source of antioxidants that keep inflammation in control
Storage and Purchase of Chayote
When looking to buy chayote, always search for pieces that are firm, non-wrinkled, and greenish in shade all over. It comes in varities that have small thorns and without thorn. Both are great and taste almost the same.
Do you peel Chayote?
Peel of chayote can be eaten but it should be discarded if it has thorns. Also, when you want to make a softer meal, specially for the kids and elderly, you should discard the peel.
Storage of the vegetable
Chayote stays good and firm in the refrigerator for nearly 2 weeks. However, the taste and nutritional value, specially the folate goes down. Hence, you should try to consume it fresh for full health benefits.
Also, when you store it outside, it tends to lose the moisture, resulting in a lose and wrinkled skin. So store it outside when you plan to consume it within a day or two at maximum.
Chayote Squash Recipe – Stir-Fry with Fresh Coconut
This chayote recipe is prepared in South Indian style with fresh curry leaves and grated coconut. It has a rich creamy taste and texture. This recipe is great for pregnancy, diabetes, kids and adults.
It is a rich source of folate, antioxidants, and healthy fatty acids to support immunity and heart health.
Chayote Squash Recipe – Stir-Fry with Fresh Coconut
Equipment
- Heavy Bottom Pan
Ingredients
- 2 Chayote
- 3 Sprigs Curry leaves
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
- 1½ tsp Salt to taste
- ½ cup Freshly grated coconut
- 1 tsp Pure Cooking Oil Mustard Oil, Sesame Oil, Coconut Oil, Ghee
- 1 pinch Hing – Asafetida
Instructions
- Wash and peel the chaoyte.
- Cut it in small cubes of about half inch each. Small cubes will cook fast and taste better than big chunks.
- Pound the garlic cloves. Wash the curry leaves and seperate them from the sprig. Keep aside.
- Heat the pan and add cooking oil.
- When the oil is a little hot then add hing and mustard seeds. Let the seeds splutter.
- Now add garlic and curry leaves. Mix well till garlic turns golden.
- Now add the cut chayote pieces and salt. Mix well and cover.
- Bring the heat to low and let it cook for 10 mins. Keep checking in between and add 1 tbsp water if needed.
- Now add the grated coconut and cook for another 5 mins or till the chayote turns soft.
- Close the heat. Serve with rice or chapati along with curd and curry to make for a complete meal.
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