{"product_id":"chayote-sechium-edule","title":"Chayote (Sechium Edule)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvailable end of April.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReady-to-plant fruits of \u003cstrong\u003eChayote (Sechium edule)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003esprouting\u003c\/strong\u003e (Image 1) Variety: smooth, light green. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChayote, also known as Christophene or vegetable pear, belongs to the \u003cstrong\u003ecucumber family\u003c\/strong\u003e and is a fast-growing climbing plant that can reach several meters over the season. The \u003cstrong\u003efruits are edible\u003c\/strong\u003e and can be fried as a vegetable, appearing in large numbers mostly in the second year. You can find several delicious recipes online. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt requires a \u003cstrong\u003etrellis\u003c\/strong\u003e and thrives best in warm locations. However, outdoor cultivation is also possible. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is important to note that the complete chayote fruit germinates and is pressed up to a third into the substrate (last image). The fruit forms roots at every point that touches moist substrate. However, as this is utilized and decomposes by the plant over time, care should be taken not to plant it too deeply to avoid hollow spaces. It is best to press it into the soil just enough so that the sprout and a little of the fruit come into contact with the moist substrate. The pot does not need to be kept too warm until it is moved outdoors. Bright at 15°C is sufficient if you don't want it to grow too tall before the last frosts. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChayote can be \u003cstrong\u003eoverwintered\u003c\/strong\u003e with their rhizomes in cool but frost-free conditions. Therefore, cultivation in a larger pot is recommended.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-pm-slice=\"1 3 []\"\u003eEdible Plant Parts \u0026amp; Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e1. Fruits and Seeds\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mild, refreshing, and slightly sweet (reminiscent of a mix of kohlrabi, zucchini, and cucumber). The soft core in the middle tastes slightly nutty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUse:\u003c\/strong\u003e The pear-shaped fruits are excellent for a variety of dishes. They are a wonderful addition to \u003cstrong\u003esalads\u003c\/strong\u003e (grated raw), but can also be cooked, steamed, fried, stuffed, or served as a puree. The core can be eaten without any problems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e2. Shoots, Leaves, and Roots\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUse:\u003c\/strong\u003e The plant produces edible young tendrils and leaves, as well as starchy root tubers underground when mature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreparation:\u003c\/strong\u003e The tender shoot tips and leaves can be prepared in the kitchen \u003cstrong\u003esimilarly to spinach\u003c\/strong\u003e (e.g., briefly blanched or stir-fried in a wok). After harvesting, the tubers can be cooked, mashed, or fried like potatoes or yams, offering a filling, earthy component.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e⚠️ Important Practical Tip: Sticky Plant Sap\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many other vegetables, \u003cem\u003eSechium edule\u003c\/em\u003e often secretes a \u003cstrong\u003esticky sap\u003c\/strong\u003e when the raw fruit is cut and peeled, which dries on the skin and can leave a tight, slightly numb sensation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClever Processing:\u003c\/strong\u003e For people with sensitive skin, it is recommended to peel the fruits under running water or wear kitchen gloves during preparation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGood to Know:\u003c\/strong\u003e Young, tender chayotes have a very thin skin and often do not need to be peeled before eating or cooking. The sticky effect also completely disappears when cooked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Pflanzenwelten Andre Heinek ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55375212511617,"sku":null,"price":3.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0931\/6332\/3777\/files\/487118587_662167589518607_3146122986691721222_n_1.jpg?v=1772381516","url":"https:\/\/pflanzenwelten-heinek.de\/en\/products\/chayote-sechium-edule","provider":"Pflanzenwelten Andre Heinek ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}