Chuchu - the Relative of Cucumber, Melon and Squash that Assists Mummification

Known more frequently as Chayote, this plant makes for a good Vitamin C source. I came across this plant in Porto, in a supermarket. I do not know its taste, as it was my first encounter with this type of plant I did not know how it can be used. Further research I made showed that it is actually a fruit and should be consumed cooked. It can be used in other dishes whether in salads along other vegetables or boiled, mashed, fried, or can be pickled.

The chuchu has medicinal properties as well. A tea can be prepared from the leaves and can be used in conditions such as cardiovascular, hypertension, arteriosclerosis. It is also said to dissolve the kidney stones.

Because the plant does not rot, due to its cell regenerative properties, there are legends saying that people that heavily consumed the plant were more likely to mummify.

(The source of my research http://herbgarden.co.za/mountainherb/article.php?tag=Chu-Chu)