Day 226 of 365 Things To Do in Panama

Day 226 of 365 Things To Do in Panama. Chomp on Some Chayote!

Chayote is an edible plant that is a sort of squash from the same family as melons and cucumbers. The chayote vine with its heart-shaped leaves can be grown on the ground. However, when supported as a climbing plant, it will grow onto anything, and can easily rise as high as 12 meters.

It has a gentle mild flavor and doesn't turn to mush when you cook it. It is handled like summer squash and is mostly used in cooked form. It is great in soups or other dishes.

Chayote can be added to salads or salsas and if often marinated with lemon or lime juice.

Cooked or raw Chayote is a good source of Vitamin C.