In Vietnam, most of the ethnic minorities inhabit the more remote areas of the country. One group, the Muong, live in the mountainous region in the north, including Tan Lac District in Hoa Binh Province. This community relies on agriculture, mainly maize, to earn cash. Returns are limited so they need to find a more profitable crop. One option is to increase production of chayote, which grows well in the area and receives high prices in urban markets, but getting the crop to market is a major challenge. Chayote (Sechium edule) is known by many names - choyote, sayote, chocho, vegetable pear. It is a cucurbit and comes from southern Mexico and Central America. In those countries it is known for the fruits, which are prolific but rather bland. The tuberous roots are also eaten.
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