Chuchu: benefits and unusual recipes
Check out chayote, dumpling, cherry souffle recipes and their health benefits
Image: Sechium edule flower and fruit is licensed under (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Chuchu is a fruit with a scientific name Sechium edule , also popularly known as machucho, caiota and pimpinela. It exists in abundance on the island of Madeira, especially along water courses (ribs and springs).
Like melon, cucumber, pumpkin and watermelon, chayote belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and originates from Central America, more specifically from countries like Costa Rica and Panama.
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Chayote is widely consumed in Brazil in the cooked and sautéed format, and in several other recipes such as chayote soup and souffle.
Consumption of chayote provides health benefits. Fruit is a source of essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and aids in weight loss.
Benefits of chayote
Chayote stands out for being a source of potassium; vitamins A, B and C; and mineral salts such as calcium, phosphorus and iron. Easy to digest, rich in fiber and low in calories, chayote is a good alternative for those who want to lose weight.
The fibers present in chayote help ease constipation and normalize bowel movements. Each chayote contains about 3.5 grams of fiber, which contributes 14% of the daily fiber intake requirement (25 grams). Fiber also helps control blood sugar levels - and is particularly important for diabetics - and lowers cholesterol, which helps the cardiovascular system to function properly.
A whole chayote has only 38.6 calories and 0.1 grams of fat. The high water and fiber content create a feeling of fullness for a longer time, which helps to avoid consuming more calories. Due to the smooth texture of the fruit, you can use chayote in salads and smoothies.
Chayote is an abundant source of folate and vitamin C. Folate is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for female fertility and cancer prevention. Taken before and during pregnancy, it reduces the risk of birth defects in the fetal neural tube. A whole chayote contributes 189 micrograms of folate to the diet, which is about 50% of the recommended daily intake of folate. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that helps fight free radicals, which can increase the risk of heart disease and some forms of cancer. A chayote contains 15.6 micrograms of vitamin C, equivalent to 26% of your recommended daily intake.
Chayote contains zinc, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and potassium, minerals that make up the body's hormones and enzymes. A chayote provides 1 milligram of zinc - 7% of the daily value needed. Zinc plays a role in wound healing. Calcium and magnesium keep bones strong, and potassium supports nerve and muscle function.
1. Chayote souffle
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons of sour sprinkles
- 2 tablespoons of sweet powder
- 1 tablespoons of white sesame
- ½ cup corn oil
- 500 ml of water
- 3 tablespoons full of soy extract
- 1 ½ vegetable broth tablet
- 2 units of cooked and chopped chayote
- Breadcrumbs for sprinkling
Method of preparation
With the exception of the breadcrumbs, blend all ingredients in a blender. Mix in a medium serving dish and sprinkle with plenty of breadcrumbs, this will give the gratin appearance. Bake in high oven for approximately 25 minutes or until golden.
2. Chayote Cherry
Ingredients
- 4 large chayote units
- 1 liter of filtered water
- 1 teaspoon of cooking virgin lime
- 1 cups of sugar
- 1 cup of gooseberry syrup
- 1/2 cup of maraschino liqueur
Method of preparation
Cut the chayote in half lengthwise and with the help of a bowler, remove the pellets from the fruit puff. Then dissolve the lime in warm water and add the balls. Reserve for three hours. Drain and wash under running water. In a saucepan, mix sugar and blackcurrant. Place over low heat and cook for ten minutes without stirring.Turn off the heat, add the maraschino liqueur and the balls. Let it sit for a day or until the balls start to float. Keep it stored in a jar with a lid and keep it in the refrigerator.
3. Chayote dumpling
Ingredients- 2 cups of chopped chayote
- 1/2 packet of vegetable broth
- 1 and 1/2 cup of oatmeal
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 chopped garlic clove
- Chopped parsley to taste
- 3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs
- Frying oil
