The power behind a fruit: Bringing chayote to Colombians’ tables
Could a fruit often considered “pig feed” or “crop residue” improve nutrition, protect biodiversity, generate income for farming households, and strengthen cultural identity? Discover here the case of chayote or guatila (Sechium edule) in Colombia.
- feed
- food systems
- nutrition
The power behind a fruit: Bringing chayote to Colombians’ tables
Could a fruit often considered “pig feed” or “crop residue” improve nutrition, protect biodiversity, generate income for farming households, and strengthen cultural identity? Discover here the case of chayote or guatila (Sechium edule) in Colombia.
When I was a child, it was common to hear my grandmother talk about sapote, sugar apple, loquat, guama, badea… fruits that I barely know and, in some cases, have never even tasted. But there was another fruit she often mentioned – one that only she, having lived with diabetes for many years, regularly consumed at home: chayote (or guatila). Apparently, no one else liked it… yet she had added it to the soup on several occasions. And since I loved everything my grandmother cooked, I have always thought that I liked chayote too… though I could never say so with certainty.
Today, I am taking part in a workshop of the Power of Diversity Funding Facility project, where chayote takes center stage, and I can finally say with certainty that I do like this fruit. Not only because it connects me to my grandmother, who has since passed away, but also because I have just discovered that it represents one of the best-kept treasures – until now – of my homeland: megadiverse Colombia!
I understood why my grandmother considered it a staple in her diet. It has exceptional nutritional properties. For those familiar with the subject: it contains high levels of antioxidants, as well as significant amounts of protein and fiber, and it can help people with diabetes manage their blood glucose levels. Many people consume it because it helps lower cholesterol, but it is also one of those opportunity crops from which farmers can derive their livelihoods – and that consumers love: tasty, nutritious, and affordable. It even holds potential for the food industry, as its mild, neutral flavor makes it easy to incorporate into the development of a wide range of products.