Chayote

Chayote (Sechium edule) is a mild, crisp member of the squash family with a pale green, pear-like shape. Its flesh is juicy and lightly sweet, and the tender seed at the center is edible. The skin is usually thin and can be eaten when young; older fruits may have tougher skin and pale spines that benefit from peeling.

Widely used across Latin American, Caribbean, and Southeast Asian cuisines, chayote shines both raw and cooked. It stays pleasantly firm in quick sautés and stir-fries, absorbs flavors in soups and stews, and can be stuffed and baked. When peeling, the sap can be sticky and mildly irritating; oiling hands or using gloves helps manage it.