Mexican Chayote Cucumber: Health Benefits and Uses

Chayote grows in South America and tropical Mexico. It is known in countries such as Spain, France, and Africa. It was introduced to Russia and Ukraine in the 20th century. Chayote thrives in a subtropical climate. It thrives in the Black Sea region and the Krasnodar Krai. It belongs to the pumpkin family. This is confirmed by its name, which comes from the word “shayot,” which means “prickly gourd.”

Description of the bush and fruit

The stems are vine-like, typically reaching 20-30 meters. Chayote shoots are covered with tendrils that aid in the development of the main stem. Leaves:

• large;
• bright green color;
• heart-shaped.

The root system is tuberous. Cucumber produces both male and female flowers. Each year, the vine grows taller, making it more resilient to environmental changes.

The flesh is juicy and soft, with a sweet potato flavor. The skin is thin and smooth. Grooves run down the length of the fruit, creating the cucumber's "edges." The fruits grow underground, not above ground. Each plant produces 8-10 fruits.

Beneficial properties of chayote:

1. Contains amino acids that promote the development of the nervous system and help brain function.
2. Contains vitamin B, potassium and phosphorus, which boost immunity.
3. A decoction of the leaves has a diuretic effect and promotes the removal of stones; it is used to prevent urolithiasis.
4. Often used in weight loss diets.
5. It cleanses the blood and blood vessels, which is why it is used to treat hemorrhoids and gastrointestinal diseases.
6. Improves thyroid function.

Cucumber contains many nutrients that help cleanse and restore the cardiovascular system.

Green cucumbers are known for their health benefits. Their sweet potato-like flavor makes them suitable for a variety of dishes:

1. Young shoots are eaten and cooked like asparagus.
2. Older shoots are added to salads like cucumber.
3. Unripe fruits are added to salads, stewed, canned, and used to make sauce.
4. Ripe fruits are boiled, used in compotes, frozen for making vegetable mixtures, etc.
5. The seeds are roasted. In this form, they taste like nuts.
6. Decoctions of tubers and leaves are often used to treat urological diseases.

Typically, after the harvest is complete, the fruits are dug up and the tubers are dried. They are also ground to produce starch powder, which is often used in dietary recipes. The fruits can be eaten fresh, stewed, pickled, or canned.

Growing seedlings

Because our region experiences frequent temperature fluctuations and unexpected frosts, it's recommended to grow cucumbers from seedlings. To prepare seedlings, disinfect the plant seeds and rinse them. Then, blot them with a cloth and leave them in a warm place for a while, such as near a fireplace or radiator. Warming will positively impact the quality of this cucumber variety, as they thrive in warmth and sun. You can begin preparing chayote seedlings as early as April. If the weather is not cold, you can transplant them into the ground as early as early May. The soil must be prepared in advance. It shouldn't be too heavy or acidic. You can buy the soil at the store or prepare it yourself. To prepare it, you'll need:

• peat;
• wood ash;
• sawdust;
• humus.

All ingredients are mixed and loosened. Afterwards, the soil needs to be moistened and fertilized.

The seedling container shouldn't be too small, otherwise it will damage the tubers. Small drainage holes should be made in the bottom of the container or pot to allow excess water to drain. Small stones are placed on the bottom, and soil is added to some of them. The container should be 2/3 full, then a seed is placed on top and covered with soil.

The water temperature was not lower than +22 ^OS. Cucumbers don't tolerate cold water, as it can cause root rot. Gradually acclimate the seedlings to cool temperatures by taking them outside daily. You can start with 5 minutes, increasing the hardening time to half an hour.

Planting directly into the ground

In addition to using seedlings, Mexican cucumbers can be planted directly in open ground. The whole cucumber, rather than the seed, is planted in the soil. The area should first be treated with a potassium permanganate solution to remove pathogenic bacteria and fungi that sometimes remain in the soil. After disinfection, remove any remaining plant debris and weed.

Plants should be spaced 100 cm apart. Place the fruit into the hole with the wide end facing down. The hole should be one spade deep. A sunny, wind-protected location is ideal for planting. This variety does not tolerate close proximity to groundwater, so choose a site with adequate drainage.

The best predecessors for Mexican cucumbers are:

• potato;
• onion.

If these cucumbers are planted where pumpkins were previously grown, yields may drop. This variety is photoperiodic, meaning flower buds only develop under 12 hours of daylight. This regime is easy to maintain in a greenhouse, but after transplanting into the ground, the buds may fall off. Cucumbers of this variety are planted in a greenhouse in early March. Roots form first, followed by shoots. In mid-April, the sprouted fruits are transplanted into open ground. A 2x2 scheme works best. To ensure the fruits take root, the bed must be cultivated and fertilized with organic matter.

Care

Chayote is grown in the same way as other cucumbers. It has no special care requirements. Regular fertilization, feeding, and watering are crucial. The simplest method is to add 100 grams of compost, compound fertilizer, and mineral fertilizer to each planting hole.

Since the plant is very tall, special supports must be installed to support the stem, otherwise it will form incorrectly. Fertilizing can begin as soon as the first leaves appear. To do this, you will need:

• ammonium sulfate;
• superphosphate;
• potassium salt;
• water.

Apply this solution evenly to all the bushes. A second feeding is done after a week or two. This can be herbal, for example:

• burdock;
• nettles;
• dandelion.

The third feeding can be done the same as the first, and the fourth – like the second. The soil should be loosened after each watering.

Chayote blooms between August and September. However, since the cucumber is accustomed to a subtropical climate, its bloom will depend on air temperature and weather conditions. It can grow in the same location for up to five years, after which it must be replanted. Failure to do so will result in a decline in yield. If all growing and care recommendations are followed, a single plant can yield between 50 and 80 kg.

The harvest is in late autumn. Chayote can be stored like potatoes – in a cool, dark, and dry place. In this condition, they can last up to eight months. After the entire crop has been harvested, the top part of the plant is removed, and the roots are protected from frost by covering them with plastic or sprinkling them with sawdust mixed with straw.

Before storing cucumbers, remove the stems and dry them for several days to prevent them from rotting. Unsightly cucumbers should also be discarded. During storage, defects or diseases may develop that will negatively affect the rest of the cucumbers.

Diseases and pests

Like any other cucumber, chayote is susceptible to insect attacks and cucumber diseases. Regular inspection of the bush and treatment of the area with disinfectants reduce the risk of plant infestation.

The most common diseases of Mexican cucumber are:

• powdery mildew;
• downy mildew;
• white rot.

All of these diseases are fungal, but sudden temperature changes trigger them. To prevent these diseases, it's important to regularly ventilate and clean greenhouses, hotbeds, and garden beds. Don't forget to disinfect the soil and seeds. They can be eliminated using chemicals or folk remedies, such as soap or herbal solutions.

The best way to combat them is with chemicals, for example:

• Aktara;
• Gamair.

You can set traps throughout the garden and treat the area with a hot pepper solution. If growing in a greenhouse or hotbed, pay close attention to temperature and humidity. The temperature should not exceed 28°C. ^OC, and humidity no more than 90%.

Reviews

Despite its distinctive appearance, the plant is relatively easy to care for, so many Russian farmers grow this healthy vegetable in their gardens or greenhouses.

Anastasia Belous, 45 years old

I've been growing chayote for several years now. It's a very interesting plant. I planted it in a greenhouse and had no problems. It does require a little more attention than other cucumbers, though. It tastes a bit like avocado, but chayote isn't as fatty.

Olga Filatova, 53 years old

I've been growing this variety for about six years now. I first saw it on the table when I was visiting friends. I asked what kind of "beast" it was. The cucumber turned out to be delicious and very healthy. In the fall, the whole family often eats it as a preventative measure.

Anna Ostapenko, 50 years old

I saw this vegetable while vacationing in Anapa. I took a few fruits with me and planted them like an exotic plant. It's full of beneficial micronutrients. The flavor changes depending on how it's prepared. I usually stew it with other vegetables or boil it to add to a salad. I haven't tried it raw.

The Mexican cucumber is a rare plant in our latitudes. Only in the Krasnodar region can it be found on almost every counter.