What is Chayote?
Chayote is a tropical trailing vine which produces fruits, which are treated more like vegetables than true fruits. The fruits are also known as chayote, or they may be called christophine, choko, Mexican squash, or vegetable pears, depending on the region. Additionally, the tuberous part of the chayote root is edible. A member of the gourd family, chayote is very popular in Latin America and parts of the United States, and it also pops up in some Asian and European cuisine. A well stocked grocery store or a Hispanic market will generally stock chayote, although it can be costly at times.