Chayote (Sechium edule) is indigenous to Southern Mexico, Central America and is also grown in the West Indies and other warm regions. It is suited to higher elevations in the tropics and is also commonly cultivated in the sub-tropics.
It is a vegetable common to the local markets. The fruits are eaten boiled as a vegetable, as are the large tuberous roots. The young leaves and tender shoots are sometimes eaten as spinach. The tuberous, starchy root is relished by some as a vegetable too. In Mexico, this is boiled and candied, or sliced and fried for table use.
Chayote is oftentimes called the poor man’s vegetable. Candy manufacturers and food processors have found the vegetable as an ideal cheap base for their various products. Pig growers also use it as one of the cheapest food supplements.