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Chayote Squash Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to Chayote squash
About Chayote squash
Chayote is a tropical squash with origins in Mexico that is very popular in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines. In Jamaica, it's called Chocho, in Mexico and Puerto Rico, it's called Chayote, in the French West Indies, it is Christophene, and in Louisiana, it's called Mirliton. In the U.S., many people have never heard of the Chayote, but it's a popular staple in many countries of the Americas.
Chayote was cultivated by the Aztecs in Mexico, where the name Chayote is from "chayotli", an Aztec word that means a spiny, edible squash. It grows best in tropical climates and is a cousin to the pumpkin and cucumber. It has a light green color with a similar shape to avocado and ranges from three inches to eight inches in length. It also has prickles and a furrowed exterior for a unique appearance.
Not only is the fruit itself edible, the seeds, root, stem, and leaves are also edible. The main fruit is eaten like a potato or other root vegetable, while the leaves and shoots are eaten in salads and stir-fries. If you find it in the grocery store or farmers market, you can cook the Chayote like a root vegetable as it goes well in salads, pickled, fried, baked, stuffed, mashed, or boiled. There are plenty of recipes to choose from, and plenty of people around the world enjoy Chayote.
The Chayote squash has a flavor that can resemble that of a cucumber, summer squash, or baby zucchini, but its own delicate flavor has been prized as unique and perfect for those who want to add other ingredients to produce a unique dish. Its subtleness stands out, just like an eggplant, to be a base for other flavors. It goes well with chilies, bread crumbs, cheese, shrimp, and bacon.
Chayote squash can be cooked like any other squash. You can boil, bake, grill, or steam it, but it can take longer to cook because it has a hard exterior. A whole one can take from half an hour to forty minutes to boil or steam, but if it's sliced, it takes from six to eight minutes to boil. Sliced Chayote squash also takes about half an hour to bake. During the winter months, Chayote squash is available to buy from stores or specialty places. These can especially be found in stores that specialize in Latin American food products.
If you want to try out Chayote squash for yourself, you can select it through the Instacart app. You can also shop for any other items you might need and complete your purchase once your cart is full. An Instacart shopper will head to the store to select the items you chose. We'll do our best to get your groceries delivered the same day, so order to make your day a little easier!
How to tell if Chayote squash is ripe
When choosing a Chayote squash, make sure the skin is free from scratches and blemishes. The skin should also be hard and firm.
How to store Chayote squash
Chayote squash can be stored for up to two weeks at room temperature, and in the fridge, they hold for about six weeks. It's best to store it in the fridge in a container or plastic bag to reduce drying out.
Chayote Squash Near Me
Buy your favorite Chayote Squash online with Instacart. Order Chayote Squash from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
FAQs about Chayote squash
Chayote squash is packed with nutrients including folate, zinc, copper, manganese, and vitamin C. Vitamin C helps promote collagen production, so it helps keep skin firm. It also has plenty of fiber and vitamin K, to name a few. Fiber helps promote a healthy weight which leaves you feeling full. It's also low in fat, calories, and sodium. It contains a good amount of antioxidants which protect against cell damage, lowers stress, and reduced inflammation. It's also been studied that Chayote squash may help improve heart health risk factors and promote blood sugar control. Eating fruits and vegetables also promote healthy digestion and healthy gut bacteria.
If you're baking or stuffing the Chayote squash, leave the skin on and cut the squash in half and boil it until the flesh is tender. The white seed is also edible and has a nutty flavor. Otherwise, if the Chayote squash is being used to be part of a salad or sauteing, peel off the skin under cold water. To grill the Chayote squash, cut it in thick slices and brush with oil of your choice, grilling about two minutes on each side. In salads, cut the flesh into cubes and boil until tender. Place under cold water and add with lime juice, peppers, salt, pepper, and oil of your choice.