I spelled this wrong but saw it on Bobby Flay's program.
A lady from Texas was cooking with him and said its like a squash.
What is a CHe-o-tee ?
Chayote (Sechium edule) not really a squash but used that way. http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/53831/
Any idea where I can get seeds/or part of a vine? I would love to try some of these to eat.
I don't play with them, But I understand that you have to plant the whole fruit. It is a tropical plant so it may not be viable in North Carolina. You may be able to find the fruit is a grocery store that offers Mexican fruits and vegetables. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7db3_Y7t2Q
WalMart carries them. Just stick one (whole) in a pot on it's side. I got one to start easily, but I think I planted it too late. I think you need more than one plant, but if you google "growing Chayote" you will get much better info :). There's even a thread on Dave's somewhere....
You could buy a whole one that's on the "mature" side (when you can't dent the bottom end with your fingernail) or one that has already started to sprout and plant the whole thing. I don't grow them myself but I have heard that they can be very vigorous (read: invasive) when the conditions are favorable.
Chayote is a perennial. Its vines can grow to be 30'. The whole plant is edible, fruit, tuberous roots, leaves and shoots. It can be used as foder for livestock in warmer climates. I don't see how it can become an invasive species if the whole fruit has to be planted and very frost sensitive.
They sell the fruit in almost every grocery store in this part of CA. I've eaten it from time to time. Thinking about growing it this summer in my garden.
Plant at least two for cross pollination.
They're very available in the grocery store here, too, but depending on the time of year, there might or might not be a viable seed inside. (Apparently you can harvest them early and they're fine to eat, but not ready to reproduce?) So maybe buy one to make sure what's inside, plus the ones to actually plant.
ETA In the english-speaking caribbean and in louisiana (?), they're called mirliton, so if you run across that, it's the same thing.
This message was edited Jun 1, 2010 1:03 PM
Also, commonly calle merliton in the south, particularly the GREAT state of Louisiana!
You can find my Merliton recipe made with shrimp & ham on the recipe file...
They are great pickled.
I can't get them here. I asked at both grocery stores in the county. Bummer.
If I ever find some do you think they will grow in a green house?
Lavina
Lavina, WalMart carries them in SC. I won't be going for a while, but if I find them, would you like me to send a couple? I've actually found them at the grocery outlet near me, so if you want, I'll check there too....
Margo
I would love it and I will pay for them and the postage.
They looked like they would be good.
I kept a papaya tree for 3 years till my hubby put it out side last year unannounced to me
Lavina
Oh, Ouch :(. I once took a papaya tree home on the back seat of a Camaro, so I understand your pain.
I'll keep my eyes open, and get back to you...
Quote from dlbailey :
Chayote is a perennial. Its vines can grow to be 30'. The whole plant is edible, fruit, tuberous roots, leaves and shoots. It can be used as foder for livestock in warmer climates. I don't see how it can become an invasive species if the whole fruit has to be planted and very frost sensitive.
They sell the fruit in almost every grocery store in this part of CA. I've eaten it from time to time. Thinking about growing it this summer in my garden.
Plant at least two for cross pollination.
Read this link for more info on usage and growth habit. No worry of invasion if you live where there's frost, I suppose.