Zhangtai Chayote

Zhangtai Chayote

　　Zhangtai Chayote—2015 National Famous, Special, and High-quality New Agricultural Product

　　Chayote (scientific name: Sechium edule), also known as choko, mirliton, custard marrow, vegetable pear, Christophine, or alligator pear, is a plant of the genus Sechium in the Cucurbitaceae family, native to Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies. It was introduced to China in 1915 and is now grown across southern China, with the largest production in Yunnan, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, and Taiwan. Chayote is crisp and rich in nutrients. Each kilogram of fresh chayote contains 5 grams of protein, 1 gram of fat, 30 grams of fiber, 77 grams of carbohydrates, as well as 220 milligrams of vitamin C, 0.1 milligrams of riboflavin, 500 milligrams of calcium, 320 milligrams of phosphorus, and 40 milligrams of iron. Chayote can be used in cooking or eaten raw like fruit. Its shape, resembling two palms pressed together, carries Buddhist blessings, making it very popular among people.