Chayote, summer squash / Chu-chu

Chayote, also known as chu-chu or Buddha's fist, is an extraordinary fruit packed with valuable nutrients. Despite its high water content and low calorie count, it provides ample vitamins, potassium, calcium, and iron. Particularly versatile in the kitchen, chayote can be enjoyed raw, cooked, or fried.

Raw, its flavor is reminiscent of fresh kohlrabi – a crisp, healthy addition to salads or a refreshing snack. A tip: Replace the cucumbers in a classic tomato and cucumber salad with chayote and experience a surprisingly new flavor!

As a member of the gourd family, the pear-shaped chayote is related to cucumbers, zucchini, and pumpkins. Its green-yellow to white skin is often longitudinally furrowed, and the interior is firm and juicy. Its soft to hard seed is also edible. The fruit is traditionally eaten unpeeled, but it can easily be peeled for a more tender texture.

Known in China as Buddha's Fist, the chayote owes its name to its distinctive shape, reminiscent of praying hands. Discover the many ways to prepare this exotic fruit and bring new flavors to your kitchen!

Chu-Chu is pronounced like a "sh" sound. So: Shu-Shu.