a bit overgrown chayotes (chocos) for planting :)
Hi all,
I have a few chayotes (or chocos) that have already started to sprout... it would be sad to let them go to waste. If anyone wants to grow them, I'm happy to share! Life has just begun in them, but I already have four vines, so I won’t be able to plant more.
It’s a vigorous vine that can reach up to 20 m in length, but its green stems and leaves die off every winter. The following year, they wake up again. They are prolific croppers and can feed an entire family—maybe even a neighbourhood! Every part of the plant is edible: the roots, stems (great for stir-fries), flowers (a lovely addition to salads), and the fruits, which can be picked, fried, stuffed, baked in the oven, and more. Bees love their flowers too!
To grow them, just half-bury the fruit in the soil near a fence or trellis. They start off humble, but even in the first year you’ll get some fruit. By the second year, you’ll see their full power!
The only thing they do not like is being waterlogged. They can tolerate other things (like poor soil and dry summer). They get to power closer to autumn, and keep producing even till mid winter.
PS: Just to share one particular way to stir fry them (and, oh goodness, they are tasty!)
Take 3 chayotes, chop them into small pieces (do not grate for this purpose, as they will release too much juice). Fry on high temperature using a bit of olive or other cooking oil. Add couple of medium sized onions (chopped) a bit later. Then a pinch of garlic, some herbs of your choice (I use dried herbs - celery and leek greens, plus some other when I feel like that). When they half ready, add table spoon of lemon juice (or 1/2 tbs according to your preference) and a use moderate amount of fish souse instead of salt. When mostly ready - dress lightly with sesame oil to add some more flavour. :) This one is my family’s favourite now.
Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.
For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.
Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
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27.6% I prefer booking online whenever possible
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41.4% Online booking is helpful but not essential
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27.6% I prefer calling the clinic
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3.4% I didn’t know online booking was available
A reminder this hunting season
As thousands of hunters are making their plans for autumn – the Roar – recreational firearms groups are urging hunters to always be 100% sure of their targets.
Te Tari Pureke - Firearms Safety Authority NZ, which chairs the Recreational Firearms Users Group, has begun a public information campaign reminding hunters everywhere of Rule #4 of the Firearms Safety Code: to identify their target beyond all doubt.
Director Communities and Corporate, Mike McIlraith, says there is an estimated 50,000-60,000 New Zealanders involved in big game animal hunting each year, and the Roar is the key event for many hunters each year.
“The Roar is a fantastic time of year for hunters to get out into the hills after a trophy animal but hunting safely and making sure everyone gets home in one piece, still must be the most important goal of every trip,” says Mike McIlraith.
“The consequences of not fully identifying your target beyond all doubt can be catastrophic. Our message to hunters is a really simple one: If you are not sure, then don’t shoot.”
Mike McIlraith says while hunting fatalities are thankfully rare, research has shown that misidentification of the target is the largest firearms related risk to New Zealand deer hunters, and 80% of the time this involves members of the same hunting group.
The Authority says hunters should not feel pressured to take a shot: “Instead, hunters should take the time to analyse their target, wait and see if it is a hind or stag, how old is the animal, how many points does its antlers have? Identifying your target means never firing at sound, shape, colour or movement alone.”
Mike McIlraith says good hunters will slow down, and run through some simple mental checks:
- Can I see the whole animal, or could this be another hunter?
- Where are my hunting companions – could this be them or someone else?
- How much of the animal can you see, if it is a hind or stag, how old is the animal, how - many points does its antlers have?
“Taking a little extra time to identify your target and check the firing zone is the key to safer hunting. No meat or no trophy is better than no mate,” he says.
Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?
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76.4% Inside!
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23.6% On top!
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