Native to Mexico, this fleshy, pear-shaped plant is also known as vegetable pear, chocho, mirliton and christophene, and belongs to the same family as melons, cucumber and squash. Originally from Central America (it’s believed to be native to Guatemala specifically), the light green fruit is now cultivated throughout Mexico and in certain parts of America.

Each fruit can weigh anywhere from 6 ounces to 3 pounds, with flesh that’s similar to that of a water chestnut. It can be prepared in a number of ways, including boiled, mashed, pickled and fried, and is used in everything from juice to jams.