CHAYOTE

~30 - 35 lbs Chayote aka "Choko", "Vegetable Pear", "Mirliton", "Fo-Shou-Gua", "He-Shou-Gua", "He-Zhang-Gua", "佛手瓜", "合手瓜", "合掌瓜" Chayote is a bright green gourd similar to a pear in size and shape with slightly ridged skin. Chayote is generally four to six inches in diameter. The skin is thin and edible but generally peeled before consumption. The crisp pale flesh of the chayote has the flavor of cooked cucumber, baby zucchini, or summer squash. Stir fry sliced chayote with garlic and pepper as a simple side dish. Chayote is available year-round. Handling Tip Selection The chayote is firm with no signs of blemishes or soft spots. The skin is light to medium green. A smaller size is typically more tender. Storage Chayote should be stored at 50°F - 60°F (10°C - 15.5°C) with a relative humidity of eighty-five to ninety percent and no mist. The typical shelf life is up to one month. High humidity is important to avoid moisture loss and shriveling. Chayote is highly sensitive to ethylene, a naturally occurring gas that regulates ripening. Chayote should not be stored with high ethylene-producing products to extend shelf life and to avoid yellowing, softening, and sprouting. Chayote produces a low level of ethylene. Chayote is sensitive to chilling injury at storage below 45°F (7°C). Symptom includes water-soaked spots and pitted skin.