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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: Squash64 on March 24, 2010, 18:38:32

Title: Chayote - time to start them off
Post by: Squash64 on March 24, 2010, 18:38:32
This was the Chayote growing over my greenhouse last summer.
[attachment=2]

I covered it with straw when it died down but I'm not sure if it survived or not so I'm starting some more off now.
They sell them in Asda and Asian shops, about 50p each.
Don't plant them, but stand them upright on a windowsill or in a greenhouse.  
[attachment=1]

After about 10 days a shoot and roots will start to appear.
[attachment=3]

I'll show what I do next when it's ready, maybe in a week.
Title: Re: Chayote - time to start them off
Post by: allaboutliverpool on March 24, 2010, 18:42:09
They all look like Les Dawson!
Title: Re: Chayote - time to start them off
Post by: Squash64 on March 24, 2010, 19:14:17
Quote from: allaboutliverpool on March 24, 2010, 18:42:09
They all look like Les Dawson!

I know what you mean, I should have drawn faces on them. :D
Title: Re: Chayote - time to start them off
Post by: realfood on March 24, 2010, 19:21:32
Did they fruit for you? I ask as a google search suggests that they need some 12 hours of sunshine a day to fruit!
Title: Re: Chayote - time to start them off
Post by: cjb02 on March 24, 2010, 19:24:41
can i ask, what is it?
Title: Re: Chayote - time to start them off
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on March 24, 2010, 20:15:50
It's a tropical fruit. My wife calls them choca. There are over 2000 languages in Africa, and lots of names for everything.
Title: Re: Chayote - time to start them off
Post by: Squash64 on March 24, 2010, 20:17:15
Quote from: realfood on March 24, 2010, 19:21:32
Did they fruit for you? I ask as a google search suggests that they need some 12 hours of sunshine a day to fruit!
No, they don't fruit but they are such a spectacular climber and I love them!
Title: Re: Chayote - time to start them off
Post by: Squash64 on March 24, 2010, 20:18:56
Quote from: Robert_Brenchley on March 24, 2010, 20:15:50
It's a tropical fruit. My wife calls them choca (there are over 2000 languages in Africa, and lots of names for everything).

West Indians call them 'cho-cho'.
I did try cooking one a couple of years ago but it didn't appeal to me.  Fantastic climbing plant though.
Title: Re: Chayote - time to start them off
Post by: Jayb on March 24, 2010, 21:35:19
Looks fun, I'll try and find one to try and follow your lead  ;D
Title: Re: Chayote - time to start them off
Post by: Vinlander on March 24, 2010, 23:44:34
They are a fruit, but I think they are used like a marrow aren't they (?) - the one I tried was like that - a bit watery.

A marrow is also a fruit of course.

If I remember rightly the big difference is that the seed is avocado-sized isn't it??





Title: Re: Chayote - time to start them off
Post by: Squash64 on March 25, 2010, 05:14:00
Quote from: Vinlander on March 24, 2010, 23:44:34
They are a fruit, but I think they are used like a marrow aren't they (?) - the one I tried was like that - a bit watery.

A marrow is also a fruit of course.

If I remember rightly the big difference is that the seed is avocado-sized isn't it??

I think they are used in savoury dishes, like soup or stew but I found them to be flavourless.  I can't remember what they are like inside because there is no need to cut them open to grow them.