From The Food Encyclopedia by Jacques Rolland and Carol Sherman
Also christophene, mirliton, vegetable pear. A pear-shaped fruit, Sechium edule, native to Mexico and Central America and embraced by Asia, the chayote has a pale green skin, white flesh and a single seed. It can be prepared in the same way as any summer squash. The entire plant is edible: the young shoots can be boiled and served like asparagus; the delicious leaves can made as one prepares any other green; and the fruit has a refreshing, mild taste reminiscent of cucumber.
