Chayote - the perfect food for low carbers

NancyH58 · 09-07-2008, 06:24 PM

Okay, I discovered this fruit called "chayote". I remember reading how linda sue made fried apples with it, I decided to pick one up and try it. "Why not", I though?

So I chopped the chaoyte, peeled it, washed it... first hting I noticed is the texture was perfectly apple. I mean *perfectly* while raw. Second thing I noticed is the chayote had no flavor alone really, but it had a mild maybe fruity aura to it.

I decided to try fried apples, so I mixed a tablespoon of butter in a pan, and covered the diced chayote with apple pie seasoning and also 4c apple cider drink mix (the secret ingredient!)
What I got after cooking was impossible to tell apart from baked, or fried apples. Delicious! The drink mix imparted the tartness and sweetness of apples, I highly recommend buying... but if you can't find it, lemon juice, splenda, and apple pie seasonings should work.

The best part is yet to come... each chaoyte fruit has only about 5 carbs net, and it is absolutely loaded with nutrition! I mean, this fruit is perfect. 50% daily value for folate, lots of calcium, zinc, copper... it's like a multi vitamin! Compare the nutrition for chayote to the real thing (an apple) and the chayote blows the apple out of the water with one hand tied behind its back.

Most fruits are very low in nutrition... the chayote is almost like the sort of nutrition in broccoli or spinach but it tastes like fruit. It's like, magic food.

I also realized that chayote vaguely resembled potato slices. I bet seasoned chilli home fries, or deep fried french fries, would be a very good application for chayote fruit (much better than, say, turnips).

I will definitely be eating lots and lots of chayote from now on. When it gets colder I plan on making Kevin's zucchini mock apple pie using chayote (chayote > > > zucchini as an apple substitute BTW)

jacksmixedtape · 09-07-2008, 07:16 PM

Chayotes ARE fabulous! They make a mean apple crisp.

Never knew all of that about their nutritional content, though. Thanks for sharing!

DeltaSierra · 09-07-2008, 07:24 PM

Wow that sounds great! I'm going to have to see if I can find some at my supermarket!

by the way - where can I find the mock apple pie recipe? I didn't see it listed in the recipe area.

SugarPop · 09-07-2008, 07:27 PM

What brand name is this "Apple Cider Drink Mix"......and where do I get it?.......Not sure I even know what it is.

B

AllieCat0817 · 09-07-2008, 07:29 PM

Ooh thanks for the tip...now I wanna fry some then season with Lawrys & eat with lc ketchup! found in regular store? produce section?

sugarless4life · 09-07-2008, 07:30 PM

I've never heard of that before ! Wow, I'm gonna see if I can find it!

Thanks! And yes, please say where you get the mix ??

Wow!

Betty

AllieCat0817 · 09-07-2008, 07:39 PM

Found this

Chayote - pronounced [chah-YOH-teh]
The chayote is another native Mexican plant and is a member of the squash family.* It is also referred to as a "vegetable pear" or chcocho. In France the chayote is called a christophene. The flesh is quite crisp something like a water chestnut.

Teresa123 · 09-07-2008, 07:42 PM

They have Chayote's in the Super Wal-Marts in my area. They are in the produce section and always up on the top shelf around the turnips.

porusgal · 09-07-2008, 07:50 PM

In the Caribbean it is locally known as "cho-cho". Here in Florida you can find it in some Publix and Super Wally Mart. You can peel it, boil and mash it. Top with a little butter. Delish...

AllieCat0817 · 09-07-2008, 07:55 PM

Yall done started somethin! OMG...found this recipe. Now I hate turnips.very bitter. Chayotes not bitter?

Ingredients:
2 pounds chayotes
Butter
1/2 pound cooked ham, chopped
1 cup whipping cream
1/2 pound jack cheese, grated
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Cook chayotes in boiling water until tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on size.

Peel and cut in half and discard seeds. Cut in slices. Grease a casserole with butter and arrange alternate layers of chayotes and ham, salt and pepper, cream and cheese and ending with cheese. Dot with butter. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees until browned.

AllieCat0817 · 09-07-2008, 08:07 PM

I am drooling. Is it really a good tater substitute? I am soooo at Publix tomorrow.

To deep-fry
Wash and peel the chayote, cut in half and remove the seed. Slice as you would a potato for french fries; pat dry on paper towels. Drop carefully into oil (corn or peanut works well) heated to about 350 degrees. Remove the fries from the oil when they float back to the top. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease. Shake on salt and your choice(s) of black or cayenne pepper, garlic powder and Parmesan cheese.

Nikouli · 09-07-2008, 08:09 PM

subscribed!

DeltaSierra · 09-07-2008, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllieCat0817

Yall done started somethin! OMG...found this recipe. Now I hate turnips.very bitter. Chayotes not bitter?

Ingredients:
2 pounds chayotes
Butter
1/2 pound cooked ham, chopped
1 cup whipping cream
1/2 pound jack cheese, grated
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Cook chayotes in boiling water until tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on size.

Peel and cut in half and discard seeds. Cut in slices. Grease a casserole with butter and arrange alternate layers of chayotes and ham, salt and pepper, cream and cheese and ending with cheese. Dot with butter. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees until browned.

That sounds SO good!!!!

jacksmixedtape · 09-07-2008, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllieCat0817

I am drooling. Is it really a good tater substitute?

No, unless you think apples can sub for taters! Its texture is very close to that of an apple, only a lot more fibrous--you have to cook the heck out of it.

It doesn't really have any flavor at all. Not like a turnip or rutabaga.

AllieCat0817 · 09-07-2008, 08:29 PM

Dam! I love rutabagas but hate turnips....

Kris T. · 09-07-2008, 08:53 PM

I think Linda Sue has a recipe for fried "apples" too. It's a once-a-week treat for me and so easy!

Oh, WASH your hands immediately after cutting. The juice turns into a weird glove-like film that's impossible to scrub off.

skg · 09-07-2008, 08:55 PM

I have some of the fried "apples" in my frig now and I bought 4 more at my farmers market on Friday to make more to freeze. Thanks for the other recipes though now something new to try.

2muttsmom · 09-07-2008, 09:13 PM

Subscribed

Kris T. · 09-07-2008, 09:18 PM

Linda's Low Carb Menus & Recipes

Oh yeah.

Monkee · 09-07-2008, 09:18 PM

Chayotes are great! I used to use them as a sub for potatoes in soups and such. Really delicious. I didnt know that they were only 5 carbs. Will be picking some up next time I hit the market.

AriAnne · 09-07-2008, 09:18 PM

Yum! That sounds so good! I will definitely add chayote to my shopping list!!

Teresa123 · 09-08-2008, 06:59 AM

Allie--They are slightly sweet and I think on their own taste a bit more like a cross between a really mellow melon flavor and an apple. With lemon juice, cinnamon, etc. they really do taste a lot like baked apples. I don't know if they would taste much like a potato--although cooked like in the recipe you have with the ham they might have a somewhat similar texture. But--definitely worth a try though to see if you can achieve the potato taste you're looking for.

Livywilltim-mom · 09-08-2008, 08:27 AM

Sounds delish...subscribing!

Thanks

SugarPop · 09-08-2008, 08:54 AM

I googled "apple cider drink mix".....Not having any luck with complete ingredient list. Most say they are made from apple juice!!!!!!.......I can't even figure out if there is sugar in the mix.

I'm having carb phobia on the drink mix.........unless I hear differently.

Has anybody ever come up w/a good substitute for great apple flavor?

B

skeopple · 09-08-2008, 08:54 AM

Gotta find me some of that chayote! Hoping our Super WalMart carries it up here in Wisconsin! I must admit, I'm missing fruit, now that strawberry and blueberry season is over! Blackberries are dwindling, so if I find chayote, I'll be in heaven..........

They make extracts for everything else. Maybe there's one for apple???

skg · 09-08-2008, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SugarPop

Has anybody ever come up w/a good substitute for great apple flavor? B

I bought 4C totally light Just Apple, I think it is a good sub for apple juice.

skeopple · 09-08-2008, 09:43 AM

I emailed "extracts-and-flavors" to ask for carb content of their apple extract. All the other searches came up with supplements, etc.
I'll let you know if/when they respond. Hubby is checking SWM to see if they carry chayote

Ilpirata · 09-08-2008, 11:14 AM

I'm confused about how you peel it. With a potato peeler? and how much do you want to peel off? Do you eat the green part AND the white part or just the white part?

DEEDLYNN · 09-08-2008, 03:48 PM

We have a SF Hot Apple Cider mix in our coffee/tea aisle at our Super Walmarts. I wonder if that was what was being used.

NancyH58 · 09-08-2008, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SugarPop

What brand name is this "Apple Cider Drink Mix"......and where do I get it?.......Not sure I even know what it is.

B

Hi,
The drink mix is by 4c, it should be in the part of the store where they sell koolaid and "drink sticks" for water battles. It's a green square box and it's got about 20 drink sticks in it. I used half of a stick for 1 chopped chayote.

There's no carbs at all in it (most sticks have at least 1 carb, this is totally carb free).

09-07-2008, 06:24 PM	#1
NancyH58 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 226 Gallery: NancyH58	Chayote - the perfect food for low carbers Okay, I discovered this fruit called "chayote". I remember reading how linda sue made fried apples with it, I decided to pick one up and try it. "Why not", I though? So I chopped the chaoyte, peeled it, washed it... first hting I noticed is the texture was perfectly apple. I mean perfectly while raw. Second thing I noticed is the chayote had no flavor alone really, but it had a mild maybe fruity aura to it. I decided to try fried apples, so I mixed a tablespoon of butter in a pan, and covered the diced chayote with apple pie seasoning and also 4c apple cider drink mix (the secret ingredient!) What I got after cooking was impossible to tell apart from baked, or fried apples. Delicious! The drink mix imparted the tartness and sweetness of apples, I highly recommend buying... but if you can't find it, lemon juice, splenda, and apple pie seasonings should work. The best part is yet to come... each chaoyte fruit has only about 5 carbs net, and it is absolutely loaded with nutrition! I mean, this fruit is perfect. 50% daily value for folate, lots of calcium, zinc, copper... it's like a multi vitamin! Compare the nutrition for chayote to the real thing (an apple) and the chayote blows the apple out of the water with one hand tied behind its back. Most fruits are very low in nutrition... the chayote is almost like the sort of nutrition in broccoli or spinach but it tastes like fruit. It's like, magic food. I also realized that chayote vaguely resembled potato slices. I bet seasoned chilli home fries, or deep fried french fries, would be a very good application for chayote fruit (much better than, say, turnips). I will definitely be eating lots and lots of chayote from now on. When it gets colder I plan on making Kevin's zucchini mock apple pie using chayote (chayote > > > zucchini as an apple substitute BTW) Last edited by NancyH58; 09-07-2008 at 06:27 PM..

09-07-2008, 07:16 PM	#2
jacksmixedtape Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: going to school in NC Posts: 3,513 Gallery: jacksmixedtape Stats: 160/140ish, 5'11" WOE: gluten-free whole foods Start Date: May 2007	Chayotes ARE fabulous! They make a mean apple crisp. Never knew all of that about their nutritional content, though. Thanks for sharing! __________________ ~Lauren "I've got a perfect body, but sometimes I forget. I've got a perfect body 'cause my eyelashes catch my sweat."

09-07-2008, 07:24 PM	#3
DeltaSierra Purgatory escapee Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: New England Posts: 7,109 Gallery: DeltaSierra Stats: Too much/Still too much/Perfect WOE: Atkins	Wow that sounds great! I'm going to have to see if I can find some at my supermarket! by the way - where can I find the mock apple pie recipe? I didn't see it listed in the recipe area. __________________ *There are no elevators to success - you have to take the stairs.* Last edited by DeltaSierra; 09-07-2008 at 07:30 PM..

09-07-2008, 07:29 PM	#5
AllieCat0817 Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Southeastern Coastal SC Posts: 11,949 Gallery: AllieCat0817 Stats: 213.5/142/137 WOE: Atkins Maintenance Start Date: 5/23/03	Ooh thanks for the tip...now I wanna fry some then season with Lawrys & eat with lc ketchup! found in regular store? produce section? __________________ <----Me 6/20/14 It's not a DIET!! Since I'm not on a diet, I can't go off of it 213.5/147/135, 160 original goal, Maintenance Size 22/6-8/8 5'5", Age 41 Started 5/23/03 *"YES, YOU CAN!"* Surgically Hypothyroid since 11/2002

09-07-2008, 07:30 PM	#6
sugarless4life Atkins Ambassador Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Norman, Oklahoma Posts: 14,199 Gallery: sugarless4life Stats: 5'3 / 108 pounds / 59 yo / maintaining 12 years WOE: Lost it with Atkins / RUNNING to keep it off! Start Date: January 19, 2002 -12 YEARS ON ATKINS	I've never heard of that before ! Wow, I'm gonna see if I can find it! Thanks! And yes, please say where you get the mix ?? Wow! Betty __________________ *You will never get the butt you want by sitting on the one you have!*

09-07-2008, 07:27 PM	#4
SugarPop Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NY Posts: 2,596 Gallery: SugarPop Stats: 225/143.0/125 (5'2") WOE: Atkins/ LowCarb	What brand name is this "Apple Cider Drink Mix"......and where do I get it?.......Not sure I even know what it is. B

09-07-2008, 07:39 PM	#7
AllieCat0817 Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Southeastern Coastal SC Posts: 11,949 Gallery: AllieCat0817 Stats: 213.5/142/137 WOE: Atkins Maintenance Start Date: 5/23/03	Found this Chayote - pronounced [chah-YOH-teh] The chayote is another native Mexican plant and is a member of the squash family.* It is also referred to as a "vegetable pear" or chcocho. In France the chayote is called a christophene. The flesh is quite crisp something like a water chestnut. __________________ <----Me 6/20/14 It's not a DIET!! Since I'm not on a diet, I can't go off of it 213.5/147/135, 160 original goal, Maintenance Size 22/6-8/8 5'5", Age 41 Started 5/23/03 *"YES, YOU CAN!"* Surgically Hypothyroid since 11/2002 Last edited by AllieCat0817; 09-07-2008 at 07:40 PM..

09-07-2008, 07:42 PM	#8
Teresa123 Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 7,929 Gallery: Teresa123 Stats: 350+/size 12/size 6 WOE: Low Carb Start Date: Oct 2006	They have Chayote's in the Super Wal-Marts in my area. They are in the produce section and always up on the top shelf around the turnips.

09-07-2008, 07:50 PM	#9
porusgal Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 338 Gallery: porusgal Stats: 166/124/128 WOE: low/moderate carbs Start Date: oct 2006	In the Caribbean it is locally known as "cho-cho". Here in Florida you can find it in some Publix and Super Wally Mart. You can peel it, boil and mash it. Top with a little butter. Delish... __________________ PORUSGAL [COLOR="Red"]Live the life you love, Love the life you live.[/COLOR] carb/calorie cycling .

09-07-2008, 07:55 PM	#10
AllieCat0817 Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Southeastern Coastal SC Posts: 11,949 Gallery: AllieCat0817 Stats: 213.5/142/137 WOE: Atkins Maintenance Start Date: 5/23/03	Yall done started somethin! OMG...found this recipe. Now I hate turnips.very bitter. Chayotes not bitter? Ingredients: 2 pounds chayotes Butter 1/2 pound cooked ham, chopped 1 cup whipping cream 1/2 pound jack cheese, grated Salt and pepper to taste Directions: Cook chayotes in boiling water until tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on size. Peel and cut in half and discard seeds. Cut in slices. Grease a casserole with butter and arrange alternate layers of chayotes and ham, salt and pepper, cream and cheese and ending with cheese. Dot with butter. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees until browned. __________________ <----Me 6/20/14 It's not a DIET!! Since I'm not on a diet, I can't go off of it 213.5/147/135, 160 original goal, Maintenance Size 22/6-8/8 5'5", Age 41 Started 5/23/03 *"YES, YOU CAN!"* Surgically Hypothyroid since 11/2002 Last edited by AllieCat0817; 09-07-2008 at 07:56 PM..

09-07-2008, 08:07 PM	#11
AllieCat0817 Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Southeastern Coastal SC Posts: 11,949 Gallery: AllieCat0817 Stats: 213.5/142/137 WOE: Atkins Maintenance Start Date: 5/23/03	I am drooling. Is it really a good tater substitute? I am soooo at Publix tomorrow. To deep-fry Wash and peel the chayote, cut in half and remove the seed. Slice as you would a potato for french fries; pat dry on paper towels. Drop carefully into oil (corn or peanut works well) heated to about 350 degrees. Remove the fries from the oil when they float back to the top. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease. Shake on salt and your choice(s) of black or cayenne pepper, garlic powder and Parmesan cheese. __________________ <----Me 6/20/14 It's not a DIET!! Since I'm not on a diet, I can't go off of it 213.5/147/135, 160 original goal, Maintenance Size 22/6-8/8 5'5", Age 41 Started 5/23/03 *"YES, YOU CAN!"* Surgically Hypothyroid since 11/2002

09-07-2008, 08:09 PM	#12
Nikouli Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: FL Posts: 1,204 Gallery: Nikouli Stats: 5'5" 196/186/140 (we'll see when I get there) WOE: Low carb/Whole foods/Gluten-free Start Date: Original: 5/29/08 (pregnant 3/2010) New: 9/17/12	subscribed! __________________ Hypothyroid (Hashimoto's) 196 195 194 193 192 191 190 189 188 187 186 185 184 183 182 181 180 179 178 177 176 175 (Thanksgiving goal) 174 173 172 171 170 169 168 167 166 165 164 163 162 161 160 (First big goal) "It is never too late to become what you might have been." - George Elliot

09-07-2008, 08:29 PM	#15
AllieCat0817 Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Southeastern Coastal SC Posts: 11,949 Gallery: AllieCat0817 Stats: 213.5/142/137 WOE: Atkins Maintenance Start Date: 5/23/03	Dam! I love rutabagas but hate turnips.... __________________ <----Me 6/20/14 It's not a DIET!! Since I'm not on a diet, I can't go off of it 213.5/147/135, 160 original goal, Maintenance Size 22/6-8/8 5'5", Age 41 Started 5/23/03 *"YES, YOU CAN!"* Surgically Hypothyroid since 11/2002

09-07-2008, 08:53 PM	#16
Kris T. Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: I've been everywhere, man Posts: 3,106 Gallery: Kris T. Stats: Was 140 now 106 currently WOE: Over the sink! Start Date: 2003	I think Linda Sue has a recipe for fried "apples" too. It's a once-a-week treat for me and so easy! Oh, WASH your hands immediately after cutting. The juice turns into a weird glove-like film that's impossible to scrub off. Last edited by Kris T.; 09-07-2008 at 08:54 PM..

09-07-2008, 08:55 PM	#17
skg Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Levittown, PA Posts: 778 Gallery: skg Stats: 220/169/140 WOE: Low carbing Start Date: March 31, 2008	I have some of the fried "apples" in my frig now and I bought 4 more at my farmers market on Friday to make more to freeze. Thanks for the other recipes though now something new to try. __________________ Sandy

09-07-2008, 09:13 PM	#18
2muttsmom Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: St. Louis MO Posts: 526 Gallery: 2muttsmom Stats: 204/183/150 WOE: LC my way Start Date: 07/2008; restart 9/28/2013	Subscribed

09-07-2008, 09:18 PM	#19
Kris T. Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: I've been everywhere, man Posts: 3,106 Gallery: Kris T. Stats: Was 140 now 106 currently WOE: Over the sink! Start Date: 2003	Linda's Low Carb Menus & Recipes Oh yeah.

09-07-2008, 09:18 PM	#20
Monkee Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Monkeeville USA Posts: 6,250 Gallery: Monkee Stats: Total Loss: -142 lbs WOE: The Monkee Way :) Start Date: Summer 08	Chayotes are great! I used to use them as a sub for potatoes in soups and such. Really delicious. I didnt know that they were only 5 carbs. Will be picking some up next time I hit the market.

09-07-2008, 09:18 PM	#21
AriAnne Brain! Brain! What is brain? Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 14,180 Gallery: AriAnne	Yum! That sounds so good! I will definitely add chayote to my shopping list!!

09-08-2008, 06:59 AM	#22
Teresa123 Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 7,929 Gallery: Teresa123 Stats: 350+/size 12/size 6 WOE: Low Carb Start Date: Oct 2006	Allie--They are slightly sweet and I think on their own taste a bit more like a cross between a really mellow melon flavor and an apple. With lemon juice, cinnamon, etc. they really do taste a lot like baked apples. I don't know if they would taste much like a potato--although cooked like in the recipe you have with the ham they might have a somewhat similar texture. But--definitely worth a try though to see if you can achieve the potato taste you're looking for.

09-08-2008, 08:27 AM	#23
Livywilltim-mom Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Red Sox Nation Posts: 8,376 Gallery: Livywilltim-mom Stats: 208/Jan 14/183/110 WOE: LC Start Date: February 9, 2014	Sounds delish...subscribing! Thanks __________________ : Jaimie : Peace Mimi, we miss you

09-08-2008, 08:54 AM	#24
SugarPop Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NY Posts: 2,596 Gallery: SugarPop Stats: 225/143.0/125 (5'2") WOE: Atkins/ LowCarb	I googled "apple cider drink mix".....Not having any luck with complete ingredient list. Most say they are made from apple juice!!!!!!.......I can't even figure out if there is sugar in the mix. I'm having carb phobia on the drink mix.........unless I hear differently. Has anybody ever come up w/a good substitute for great apple flavor? B

09-08-2008, 08:54 AM	#25
skeopple Guest Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Northern Wisconsin Posts: 3,819 Gallery: skeopple Stats: (350+)336/259/159 WOE: Low Carb, forever Start Date: 1/14/08	Gotta find me some of that chayote! Hoping our Super WalMart carries it up here in Wisconsin! I must admit, I'm missing fruit, now that strawberry and blueberry season is over! Blackberries are dwindling, so if I find chayote, I'll be in heaven.......... They make extracts for everything else. Maybe there's one for apple???

09-08-2008, 09:43 AM	#27
skeopple Guest Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Northern Wisconsin Posts: 3,819 Gallery: skeopple Stats: (350+)336/259/159 WOE: Low Carb, forever Start Date: 1/14/08	I emailed "extracts-and-flavors" to ask for carb content of their apple extract. All the other searches came up with supplements, etc. I'll let you know if/when they respond. Hubby is checking SWM to see if they carry chayote

09-08-2008, 11:14 AM	#28
Ilpirata Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 10,053 Gallery: Ilpirata	I'm confused about how you peel it. With a potato peeler? and how much do you want to peel off? Do you eat the green part AND the white part or just the white part?

09-08-2008, 03:48 PM	#29
DEEDLYNN Major LCF Poster! Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 2,755 Gallery: DEEDLYNN	We have a SF Hot Apple Cider mix in our coffee/tea aisle at our Super Walmarts. I wonder if that was what was being used.

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