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Su Su Tam Đảo

Table of Contents
  1. 1. Overview
  2. 2. What is Chayote?
  4. 3. Popular Ways to Enjoy Su Su Tam Đảo
  5. Stir-fried Chayote Shoots with Garlic (Ngọn su su xào tỏi)
  6. Boiled Chayote with Sesame Salt (Su su luộc chấm muối vừng)
  7. Chayote Stir-fried with Beef or Mushrooms
  9. 4. Flavor and Nutritional Value
  10. 5. Cultural Significance
  11. 6. Where to Try It

1. Overview

Tam Đảo chayote (su su Tam Đảo in Vietnamese) is a well-known specialty vegetable grown in the cool, misty mountains of Tam Đảo, Vĩnh Phúc Province. Thanks to the area's temperate climate and fertile soil, the chayote plants here thrive year-round, producing tender green shoots and fruits that are prized for their freshness, sweetness, and crunch.

2. What is Chayote?

Chayote is a type of gourd that belongs to the squash family. In Vietnam, both the fruit and the young leaves and shoots (ngọn su su) are commonly used in cooking. The Tam Đảo variety is particularly renowned for its superior quality, with:

  • Fruits: Light green, smooth-skinned, pear-shaped, and naturally sweet.

  • Shoots: Long, tender, and crunchy, often stir-fried or boiled.

Stir-fried Chayote Shoots with Garlic (Ngọn su su xào tỏi)

  • A signature dish in Tam Đảo.

  • Shoots are stir-fried quickly with minced garlic and a bit of salt or fish sauce.

  • Simple but incredibly aromatic, crunchy, and healthy.

Boiled Chayote with Sesame Salt (Su su luộc chấm muối vừng)

  • The chayote fruit is peeled, sliced, and boiled until just tender.

  • Served with roasted sesame and salt for dipping.

  • A light, nutritious, and refreshing appetizer or side dish.

Chayote Stir-fried with Beef or Mushrooms

  • The fruit is thinly sliced and stir-fried with beef, mushrooms, or tofu.

  • Creates a balanced dish rich in texture and nutrients.

4. Flavor and Nutritional Value

  • Flavor: Mildly sweet, fresh, and slightly nutty.

  • Texture: Crunchy when raw or lightly cooked; soft yet firm when boiled.

  • Health Benefits: Low in calories, high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. It’s good for digestion and blood sugar control.

5. Cultural Significance

Chayote farming has become a key source of income for the people of Tam Đảo. Terraced gardens growing chayote climb the hillsides, creating a distinctive green landscape. When visiting Tam Đảo, tourists often buy fresh chayote as gifts or enjoy local dishes at mountain restaurants.

6. Where to Try It

You can find su su dishes in almost every restaurant and food stall in Tam Đảo town. Local households often serve it as a daily dish thanks to its availability and ease of preparation.

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