Chayote
Known as vegetable pears or mirlitons, chayote are a subtropical member of the squash family, eaten as a vegetable. This pear-shaped, gourdlike fruit, has a single seed and a taste similar to zucchini. It is commonly used in Creole cuisine, especially around New Orleans in the winter, as a festive dish with a seafood stuffing.
Season
November - April
How to select
Look for small, firm and unblemished fruit.
How to store
Refrigerate in a plastic bag for up to a month.
How to prepare
Use as you would summer squash or split and stuff like an acorn squash or use raw in salads. Because it has a mild taste, it is often used with strong seasonings.