Caigua
Also known as Cyclanthera pedata L. Schard, Caigui.
The Caigua fruit sprouts from a collection of green vines, with a flat, oval shape. The fruit ranges from 10-15 centimeters long and comes in a variety of green shades. Past the outer layer, a white or light green flesh encases several black seeds. The raw taste can be compared to cucumbers, or green peppers when cooked. Caigua’s origin is traced back to Andean region of Peru, 800 CE, where artifacts had been found depicting the fruit through illustration and pottery. Today, the fruit has been widespread in South America as well as Central America, the Caribbean, the United States. The plant offers a number of benefits such as helping with high cholesterol, cleansing vein walls, diabetes prevention, and gastrointestinal issues.