JAMAICAN cho-cho,Chayote squash

This gourd-like fruit, native to Mexico, has spread to warm regions worldwide. Chayote is a staple in Central American cuisine and frequently appears in dishes from Southern America, the Caribbean, Asia, and Latin America.

Chayote has a high water and fiber content and is relatively low in natural sugars, making them fairly low in calories compared to other fruit. Also, chayote is prized for being high in potassium, vitamin C, and amino acids.

The leaves and fruit have diuretic, cardiovascular, and anti-inflammatory properties. A tea made from the chayote plant's leaves has been used in the treatment of arteriosclerosis, hypertension, and kidney stones.

Jamaican cho-cho growing tips (aka chayote squash).

Store the fruit in a cool, dry, dark place for 3-5 weeks until a 2-3 inch sprout appears, then use the whole fruit to start a new plant.

Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil and plant a sprouting chayote fruit in the ground after the last frost, providing a sturdy trellis for climbing. Water regularly and harvest the fruits when they reach a moderate size of 4-6 inches in diameter. Chayote is a perennial vine that can produce fruit for multiple years under the right conditions.

Prepare the soil: Select a location with at least 6-8 hours of sunlight and amend the soil with compost to ensure good drainage and fertility. 

Planting: Once the sprout is a few inches long, plant the chayote directly into the ground, burying the base of the fruit slightly. 

Trellis system: Provide a sturdy trellis, fence, or other support structure for the vine to climb as it grows. 

Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. 

Maintenance: Monitor for pests and diseases, and prune excess vines to maintain a manageable plant. 

Harvesting: Pick fruits when they are firm and about 4-6 inches in diameter, typically a few months after planting. 

Important considerations:

1. Climate: Cho cho thrives in warm climates and is sensitive to frost. 
   

2. Spacing: Allow sufficient space between plants as they can spread widely. 
   

3. Perennial nature: In mild climates, cho cho can be grown as a perennial, producing fruit for multiple seasons from the same plant