
Fresh Chayote Overview
Fresh Chayote, also known as Sechium edule or “vegetable pear,” is a green, wrinkled gourd from the squash family. With a mild, slightly sweet taste and a crunchy texture, it’s popular in various cuisines and is easy to incorporate into diverse recipes. Chayote is low in calories but packed with essential nutrients, making it a nutritious choice for everyday meals.
Health Benefits of Fresh Chayote
- Rich in Antioxidants: Contains quercetin and vitamin C, helping reduce inflammation.
- High in Fiber: Aids digestion, supports gut health, and may reduce cholesterol.
- Supports Heart Health: Rich in potassium and magnesium, which help regulate blood pressure.
- Low in Calories: Ideal for weight management as it provides nutrients without high calories.
- May Help Manage Blood Sugar: Contains fiber and a low glycemic index, making it suitable for diabetics.
- Vitamin C Boost: Supports immune health and collagen production.
Nutritional Value (per 100g of Fresh Chayote)
- Calories: ~19 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 4.5g
- Protein: 0.8g
- Fiber: 1.7g
- Vitamin C: 7 mg
- Potassium: 125 mg
- Magnesium: 12 mg
How to Eat Fresh Chayote
- Raw: Can be thinly sliced for salads.
- Boiled or Steamed: Maintains a mild flavor and works well as a side dish.
- Stir-fried: Pairs well with spices and herbs.
- Stuffed: Hollowed, filled with a savory mixture, and baked.
- Soups and Stews: Adds a subtle sweetness to broths and curries.
Full Detailed Recipe for Chayote Stir-Fry
Ingredients
- Fresh Chayote: 200g, peeled and cut into thin slices
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Mustard Seeds: ½ teaspoon
- Cumin Seeds: ½ teaspoon
- Green Chili: 1, sliced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Salt: To taste
- Turmeric Powder: ¼ teaspoon
- Fresh Coriander: 1 tablespoon, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Chayote: Wash, peel, and slice the chayote.
- Heat Oil: In a pan, add olive oil over medium heat.
- Temper Spices: Add mustard and cumin seeds, let them splutter, then add green chili and garlic.
- Add Chayote: Stir in the chayote, salt, and turmeric powder. Mix well.
- Cook: Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until chayote is tender yet slightly crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander and serve as a side dish or with rice.
5 Indian Recipes with Fresh Chayote
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Chayote Curry
- Ingredients: Fresh chayote, coconut milk, onion, garlic, green chilies, turmeric, mustard seeds.
- Instructions: Cook chayote with spices, add coconut milk, and simmer until creamy.
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Chayote Sambar
- Ingredients: Fresh chayote, toor dal, sambar powder, tamarind, curry leaves, oil.
- Instructions: Cook dal with chayote, blend with tamarind and spices for a hearty sambar.
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Chayote Chutney
- Ingredients: Fresh chayote, coconut, green chilies, tamarind, cumin.
- Instructions: Blend chayote with coconut and spices to create a tangy chutney.
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Chayote Masala
- Ingredients: Fresh chayote, onion, tomato, garam masala, cumin, green chilies.
- Instructions: Sauté chayote with onions, tomatoes, and spices for a flavorful masala.
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Chayote and Lentil Stir-Fry
- Ingredients: Fresh chayote, cooked lentils, mustard seeds, curry leaves, spices.
- Instructions: Stir-fry chayote with lentils and spices for a protein-rich side dish.
5 Non-Indian Recipes with Fresh Chayote
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Chayote Salad with Lemon Dressing
- Ingredients: Fresh chayote, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, parsley.
- Instructions: Toss raw chayote with lemon dressing and garnish with parsley.
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Grilled Chayote with Herbs
- Ingredients: Fresh chayote, thyme, rosemary, garlic, olive oil, salt.
- Instructions: Marinate chayote with herbs and grill until tender.
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Chayote and Avocado Salad
- Ingredients: Fresh chayote, avocado, cherry tomatoes, lime juice, cilantro.
- Instructions: Mix chayote with avocado and tomatoes, drizzle with lime juice.
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Chayote Soup
- Ingredients: Fresh chayote, vegetable broth, onion, garlic, black pepper, salt.
- Instructions: Boil chayote in broth with onions and garlic, blend for a smooth soup.
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Chayote and Shrimp Stir-Fry
- Ingredients: Fresh chayote, shrimp, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil.
- Instructions: Stir-fry chayote with shrimp and season with soy sauce and ginger.
Fresh Chayote is a versatile vegetable that can enhance a variety of dishes, both traditional and modern. Enjoy experimenting with it in your cooking!