Xiling Chayote

Xiling Chayote

Xiling Chayote is a protected geographical indication product.

　　Xiling Chayote is a specialty of Dayi County, Chengdu City. Chayote, a cultivated species of the Sechium genus in the Cucurbitaceae family, is also known as choko, vegetable pear, mirliton, alligator pear, christophene, or chayote squash. It originated in Mexico and Central America. Dayi has a long history of cultivating chayote. As early as the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, chayote was introduced to China, and over time, it came to be known as “Xiling Chayote.” Rich in nutrients, large in size, uniquely shaped, and crisp in texture, Xiling Chayote is highly favored by local consumers and is also exported to regions such as Xinjiang and Yunnan. The Dayi County Party Committee and County Government are actively promoting the “Xiling Chayote” industry as a key agricultural specialty, striving to make the “Xiling Chayote” brand a new economic growth driver for the county.

　　“Xiling Chayote” has a long cultivation history, is rich in nutrients, large in size, uniquely shaped, and crisp in texture. In recent years, through standardized production and the introduction of modern farming management techniques, the quality of the product has significantly improved. The chayotes are tender, thick, crunchy, high in potassium and fiber, low in sodium, and rich in selenium. Its sensory and physicochemical characteristics are as follows.

　　(1) Sensory Characteristics

　　The fruit has an upright shape resembling clasped hands, is pear-shaped, and features five distinct longitudinal grooves. There is one vertical suture line at the top of the fruit, with a slightly concave center. The lines are uniformly distributed, the skin is green, and the flesh is milky white. The flesh is thick and crisp, with individual fruits weighing between 250g and 500g. Each fruit contains only one seed, which adheres tightly to the flesh and is not easily separated. The seed is flat, spindle-shaped, and covered with a fleshy membrane-like seed coat. Typically, the entire fruit is used for propagation. The seeds have no dormancy period, and if not harvested promptly upon maturation, they will quickly germinate inside the fruit. This phenomenon is called “vivipary” and is one of its notable traits.

　　(2) Internal Characteristics

　　“Xiling Chayote” is comprehensive in nutrition and rich in unique color and aroma. It contains a variety of minerals and vitamins essential for the human body, has a high sugar content, abundant photosynthates, and excellent quality. It tastes sweet and refreshing when eaten. Its protein and calcium content are 2–3 times that of cucumbers. It is also high in zinc and selenium. Regular consumption can help prevent hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia, boost immunity, and aid children’s intellectual development. Traditional Chinese medicine also believes it helps regulate qi, harmonize the middle energizer, soothe the liver, and relieve coughing. It is highly resistant to storage and can be kept from October until March or April of the following year at room temperature, with little change in flavor.

　　The administrative regions currently under the jurisdiction of Jinyuan Subdistrict, Yuelai Town, Qingxia Town, Xieyuan Town, Chujian Town, Huashuiwan Town, Xiling Town, Wangsi Town, Xinchang Town, Heming Township, Jinxing Township, and Wushan Township in Dayi County, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province

　　“Letter from the People’s Government of Dayi County on Delimiting the Protected Area of the Geographical Indication Product – Xiling Chayote” Dayi Fu Han [2016] No. 66

　　Local Standard of Dayi County:

　　DB510129/T020-2016

　　“Xiling Chayote Planting Technical Specifications”