What is this fruit?

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by Nandan Kalbag, Oct 20, 2007.

  1. Nandan Kalbag

    Nandan Kalbag Active Member

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    Location:
    Virar, India
    Hello,
    Can anyone tell me the scietific name of this fruit? It is used as a vegetable when raw. There is a single large seed in it. It grows on a climber. It is normally cultivated at higher altitudes in India. Thanks.
     

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  2. hippofan

    hippofan Active Member

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    Location:
    Whidbey Island, WA, USA
    It looks like a couple of bitter melons --not mature yet...there are many many different kinds and they are very popular in India. Momordica charantia...I tried growing them here, and, of course, got only leaves and no fruit, but I believe they have more than one seed, so I might be off.
     
  3. Lila Pereszke

    Lila Pereszke Well-Known Member 10 Years

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    Location:
    Budapest, Hungary
    I think, it is a Sechium edule.

    I don't know the english common plant names, but it's hungarian name means "oneseed-pumpkin"... so it has really just a single large seed in it! :)

    (But of course it is not an usual vegetable in Hungary... :))) I've never seen it in my area!!! Just on photos...:)
     
  4. hippofan

    hippofan Active Member

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    It does look more like a Sechium edule. Makes sense if it has only one seed.
     
  5. Nandan Kalbag

    Nandan Kalbag Active Member

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    Location:
    Virar, India
    Lila & Hippopan,
    Thanks. You are right, it is Sechium edule.
    Nandan
     
  6. mama flora

    mama flora Member

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    Location:
    Fortin de Santa Rosa - Uruguay
    Hello everybody!
    They can be cooked in the same way than potatoes, but they contains much more water, so not good results when fryed.
     
  7. Sigtris

    Sigtris Active Member

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    Location:
    Cuernavaca, Mexico
    In Mexico it is known as "Chayote" it grows like a weed and it is invasive.
    Just peal it off boil it until it is soft add some salt and it is delicious, the seed is the best part to eat. You can make stuffed Chayotes with cheese and ham, there are many recipes.
    http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/1492/chayote.html
     

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