Chayote 'Pricky'

This relative of cucumbers (Cucurbitaceae) is an odd one out in the seed world! I introduce the term “live germinator,” because this fantastic seed simply germinates (indoors!) from its own fruit over the winter; this is also the only germination method! So, store this beautiful, coarsely spined fruit (there is also a fine-spined variety) in a light, not-too-warm place. Keeping it in a warm room is also fine, but then the shoots must be pruned occasionally. From February-March, it is better to plant the growing fruits in pots (earlier is also fine): either completely underground or on its side, so that the sprout is at least planted just below the ground. Water as needed, dry soil = water. Taking the plant outside occasionally in good weather is beneficial for robust growth. Ultimately, after the frost period (around May), the plant should be moved outdoors into the sun and planted in the open ground. This will yield a huge harvest on its climbing or creeping vines in summer and autumn. There are also Chayotes with smooth skin (060405); these are just as tasty, both do well in our climate, one year the smooth variety does better, the other year the spined one... You can find many ideas for preparing this Central American fruit online. It is striking that the soft texture is preserved, so you don't bake or boil them into mush. Compare the taste to that of a juicy potato; you can cook or bake with them, but they can also be eaten raw with a little lemon and some sea salt...! The entire plant is edible, by the way: flowers, leaves, growing shoots, and root tubers. The plant forms male (10-30 together) and female (solitary) flowers on one plant, so it is monoecious and unisexual.

IF THE FRUITS ARE GROWING VIGOROUSLY, WE POT THEM OURSELVES, THEY ARE THEN €1.00 MORE EXPENSIVE.

Names:
Latin: Sechium edule
Dutch: Chayote
Also known as: Citroenaardappel, Klimaardappel, Guatila, Chouchou, Chuchu, Choko, Cho-Cho, Mirliton, Christophine, Cidra, Centinarja, Pipinola, Labu Siam
English: Spiny Chayote, Vegetable Pear