CHOKO - Green

(Sechium edule)  Heirloom from Mexico.  Also known as 'Chayote' or 'Vegetable Pear'.  Perennial.  Annual in cooler areas.  Large, green, pear shaped fruit with delicate, nutty flavour.  Commonly used in pickles & chutneys.  With added sweetener makes a good substitute for apples & pears in cooked dishes. Dried vines may be used for basket weaving & roots of 3-4 year old plants may also be eaten with flavour resembling sweet potato.  Shoots & tendrils may be used to add interest to stir-fry & salads.  Harvest whole fruits when young at 4-5cm for eating raw or leave to mature until 10-15cm long.  Plant whole fruit on side until half covered with soil.  Do not fully cover as it may rot.  Protect plants from hot winds & frosts.