Why is chayote so expensive?

If you have been to the market, the tianguis, or the supermarket recently, you have surely noticed that certain products have significantly increased in price. The perfect example is cilantro, but the price hike is also noticeable in ingredients like chayote. Here we tell you why chayote is so expensive and what other food you can substitute it with!  Remember that chayote is an ingredient that has been consumed since pre-Hispanic times, so it is very important for the culinary tradition of our country. Additionally, this ingredient is rich in folic acid, potassium, and vitamins B2 and C, among other nutrients.  It is worth mentioning that chayote is one of the most important ingredients in Mexican cuisine. This vegetable is added to broths, soups, stews, and can even be used to make refreshing beverages. How have you tried chayote? You can also read: 15 ways to cook chayote Why is chayote so expensive? In recent weeks, we have all faced high prices when doing our weekly shopping. For example, in markets, a small bunch of cilantro is sold for $5 pesos, as prices have risen due to weather issues in producing states.  Days later, various media confirmed what many had already noticed: products like chayote were being sold for double or triple the price. But what is the reason? Experts explain that the price of chayote has increased due to one factor: the weather. Chayote is a crop that requires large amounts of water, which became complicated after the country experienced a drought. Likewise, when the harvest is lost due to lack of water, prices rise. This is what happened in the case of chayote.  It is worth remembering that a few weeks ago, we could buy a kilo of chayote for up to $20, but recently the price has reached up to $100 per kilo. This new price is five times higher than the previous one and is very similar to the increase in the price of cilantro.  On the other hand, media reports that other products that have seen significant price increases include: Avocado Squash Cabbage Lettuce Orange Banana What other fruits or vegetables have you noticed have increased in price? Read more: 6 benefits of eating chayote What can substitute chayote? If you don’t want to spend a small fortune on making dishes, broths, or stews with chayote, don’t worry, as this ingredient can be substituted with other vegetables. Here we tell you what your best options are! 1. Carrot Carrot is one of the most economical, yielding, and healthy ingredients you can consume. It is also a vegetable rich in fiber and vitamins A, B6, and K1. Additionally, carrot also contains potassium. 2. Potato Potato is one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen, as its flavor is subtle and can be incorporated into any stew, soup, broth, and more. Best of all, this tuber contains antioxidants, potassium, and even vitamin B6.  3. ZucchiniIf you want to make a dish with chayote, don’t worry, as you can substitute this ingredient with zucchini, since, although its price has increased a bit, it is much cheaper than chayote. At Kiwilimon, we have all kinds of recipes with zucchini, such as gratins, rolls with vegetables, stuffed zucchinis, soups, and much more.  4. Green beansIf you want to cook a broth, a gratin, or a soup, don’t hesitate to substitute chayote with green beans, as they are much more economical and yielding. Additionally, green beans also contain vitamins A and C, as well as calcium, iron, potassium, and more.  5. Mushroom  If you don’t want to buy chayote, then opt for options like mushrooms, as this ingredient will give a unique and delicious flavor to broths, soups, stews, and much more. Remember that mushrooms are rich in potassium, selenium, iron, phosphorus, and fiber. Now that you know why chayote is so expensive and what vegetables you can substitute it with, don’t let anything stop you from cooking delicious dishes. At Kiwilimon, we have an endless array of amazing recipes for you!  Continue reading: 7 healthy recipes with chayote