I can’t recall ever seeing it or eating it after years in Taiwan.
And yet chatGPT says “chayote is extremely common in Taiwan… the plant is unique because it is prized equally for its fruit and its shoots, which are treated as two distinct vegetables in Taiwanese cuisine.”
How have/am I missing it?
My colleagues saw this fruit/vegetable (?) at a cafe in Fenqihu in Alishan.
I also had no idea that this is common in Taiwan, have probably seen it in local markets without noticing.
Both the squash and its leaves are common. The squash is isally julienned and stir-fried.
The greens are usually called 龍鬚菜 longxucai dragon’s whiskers.
They are both a hassle to prep.
I buy it often from the wet market at Jiangguo road in Xindian. It should be around 60NTD a piece. I don’t know if it’s now in season.
You should be able to find it here: Google Maps
Same.
But very common. It is my FAVORITE vegetable at lunchbox places (the foliage, less so the fruit). Can buy nearly everywhere. Yesterday at the Nong Huai supermarkets I think the fruits were 60ish for 3.
If youw ant to grow them, often proper nurseries that serve farmers have them. 1 fruit= 1 plant. Will grab a Pic when I get home, I have some sprouting in my kitchen as we speak.
Amazingly popular in Taiwan. But I would say the vegetable for sure is easier to find/eat in restaraunts than the fruit. Personally, it is my favorite “green”. Nice and crunchy!
