Chayote is a perennial liana, which grows in the same place for 20-25 years. The plant itself is very similar to cucumber bushes. The main stem can grow up to 25-30 meters high. Clinging with a mustache to the nearest supports, the vine strengthens every year and becomes more resistant to environmental factors.
Heart-shaped leaves (like those of the brothers). Rigid bristles are found inside the leaf. The Mexican cucumber forms male and female flowers (cream or greenish). It is characterized by a type of tuberous root system. Chayot root vegetables, which resemble potatoes, are also used as food. They contain many substances and trace elements useful for the cardiovascular system. Root crops are unearthed after harvest, before the onset of frost. The tubers can be dried and ground. The resulting starch flour is used in diet and baby food.
Chayote is rich in vitamin C, which is an effective antioxidant that is needed to protect our cells from free radicals that cause cancer. According to the research, it provides at least 17% protection.
Chayote juice regularly helps reduce blood pressure effectively. A great source of vitamin K and all the essential nutrients that help strengthen the structure of bones and teeth.
The composition of the tea includes amino acids (threonine, leucine, arginine), necessary for the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system.
It contains vitamins and minerals (ascorbic acid, vitamin B, potassium, phosphorus), which have a beneficial effect on the general condition of a person, improve the protective properties of the body.
Low calorie product, promotes weight loss.
It cleanses the blood, helps with hemorrhoids, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, fibroids, etc.
A decoction of the leaves has a diuretic effect. Useful for urolithiasis and swelling. It helps with diseases of the thyroid and mammary glands.
Chayote is widely used in cooking. You can easily replace potatoes. There are many recipes with Mexican cucumber.
Young leaves can be cut in summer salads. Fruits are used for snacks and salads with the addition of other vegetables, herbs and dressings. Mexican cucumbers can be stuffed, baked in the oven, salt and canned for the winter. It is advisable to use fresh, slightly salty (so that the body assimilates more vitamins). Spicy pieces of chaiote are fried in oil, with the addition of mayonnaise sauce. Mexicans manage to make cucumber desserts, they like to add it to different dishes. Exotic zelenets fell in love not only with Mexico, but also with European countries due to the high content of natural trace elements and the unusual taste.
Eat slightly ripe fruits, they are more juicy and their meat is more tender, and the grain does not harden and can be easily removed. In the context of chayote, it looks like an avocado. After heat treatment, the vegetable becomes softer and slightly sweeter.
The variety conquers the versatility in the application, the simplicity in the care and an unusual flavor. A vitamin reservoir helps to cure all the hidden and manifest diseases of the body. Liana can also be used for decorative purposes, to decorate gazebos and fences.