Can you eat the skin of a mirliton?
Chayote, also known as mirliton squash or vegetable pear because of its pear-like shape and size, is pale green on the outside, with white flesh on the inside. The entire vegetable — the rind, the flesh, the seed as well as its tendrils, flowers and roots — are edible.
Is mirliton a chayote?
Mirliton is better known as chayote, and records show it was grown in New Orleans from as early as 1867.
What is another name for mirliton?
And so goes the game of mirliton, which is known as chayote on the West Coast; christophine in Louisiana; and vegetable squash, pear squash, chouchoute, and choko around the globe.
How long does mirliton last?
Make Ahead: The mirlitons can be boiled, cooled and refrigerated a day in advance. The mirliton halves can be stuffed and refrigerated for a day before they are baked; the baked stuffed mirliton halves can be refrigerated for 2 days in advance. Reheat, covered, in a 300-degree oven until warmed through.
How do you know when a mirliton is ripe?
To choose a ripe chayote, look for one that’s firm to the touch, between light and dark green in color, and without any brown soft spots (varying colors are fine as long as the fruit is firm).
What is mirliton sprouts?
Mirlitons can be sprouted outside in shade, but the cooler evening temperatures may slow down germination. Sprouting is defined by the internal seed pushing its way to the large end of the seed (apical cleft) until a small green shoot emerges. As soon as that shoot emerges, the fruit can be planted.
Is a mirliton a fruit or a vegetable?
Vegetable
Chayote/Fruit or Vegetable
How do I root my mirliton?
Plant Them in the Garden in Spring Dig a hole, about two feet deep and two feet wide. Mix compost or well-rotted manure with the existing soil in the bottom of the hole. Plant the mirliton so that the roots are covered and the bottom of the vine (the crown) is just above the soil line.
How do you grow mirliton vegetables?
Plant the mirliton with the pointed end upwards and the broad end buried. Plant at a 60 degree angle with half or more of the fruit covered with soil. When the vine emerges provide support for it to attach its tendrils to climb. Prevent lank growth by pruning the tip of the vine until it is planted outside in April.
What’s the best way to cook a mirliton?
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add mirliton, and boil until tender, about 45 minutes. Drain, cool, and peel. Cut in half, remove seeds, and cut into cubes. When the mirliton are almost done, bring another pot of water to a boil. Add shrimp, and cook for about 5 minutes, until pink.
How to make mirliton casserole with shrimp and garlic?
Add onions, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in shrimp and garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add mirliton and sauté for 3 minutes, constantly stirring. Remove from heat and season. Run 1 tablespoon of butter into 3 inch deep, large surface casserole dish. Add mixture and pat down lightly with hand.
How long to cook mirliton casserole in oven?
Preheat oven to 350°F. For topping, melt remaining butter. Add breadcrumbs, green onions, and seasoning and top casserole with mixture. Cover casserole with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown.
How to make a mirliton vegetable pear casserole?
Directions. Do not add the cheese yet. In a greased casserole dish, put one layer of sliced mirlitons and one layer of ground meat mixture until the casserole is filled. Sprinkle the sharp cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Bake in a 350 degree oven 25 minutes or until the cheese melts and the entire dish is heated through.