Carrot and pickled christophene martini

By reading the title one might wonder, who exactly would be interested in a carrot and pickled christophine martini. Or even for the adventurous palate, what would it taste like? Would I like it?

Carrot Martini

Carrots belong to the Umbelliferae family, named after the umbrella-like flower clusters that plants in this family produce. As such, carrots are related to parsnips, fennel, parsley, anise, caraway, cumin and dill. Carrots can be as small as two inches or as long as three feet, ranging in diameter from one-half of an inch to over two inches. Carrot roots have a crunchy texture and a sweet and minty aromatic taste, while the greens are fresh tasting and slightly bitter. While we usually associate carrots with the color orange, carrots can actually be found in a host of other colors including white, yellow, red, or purple. In fact, purple, yellow and red carrots were the only color varieties of carrots to be cultivated before the 15th or 16th century. 

Colors of Carrot

When asked what nutrient does carrot contain. Beta-carotene might be the most common response. On conducting research, I realized carrots possess a wide variety of  antioxidant benefits, cardiovascular benefits and anti-cancer benefits.

Nutrients in Carrots   1.00 cup (122.00 grams)

Nutrient                                                %Daily Value

Vitamin A                                                   407.6%

Vitamin K                                                     20.1%

Fiber                                                             13.6%

Vitamin C                                                         12%

Potassium                                                      11.1%

Manganese                                                       8.5%

Vitamin B6                                                       8.5%

Molybdenum                                                    8.1%

Vitamin B3                                                          6%

Folate                                                              5.7%

Vitamin B1                                                       5.3%

Phosphorus                                                      4.2%

Vitamin B2                                                       4.1%

Vitamin E                                                            4%

Now onto, Sechium edule of the Cucurbitaceae family. Which is more commonly referred to as Chayote, christophene, christophine, cho-cho, mirliton in French, pear squash, vegetable pear, chouchoute, choko, guatila in Spanish. It is a perennial plant thanks to its tuber, which is cultivated in hot countries. The plant produces long, climbing stems that bear its fruit, which can be eaten when ripe. The fruit are large pear-shaped berries, 10 to 15 cm long, with irregular, creamy-yellow or pale green sides.Christophene has a high water content, low calorie content and a  high nutritional density. There are three main varieties: 1. a pale green, pear-shaped variety, a small, cream-coloured variety and lastly, a dark-green, more spiky variety  

Christophene

Nutritional values (per 100 g)

Calories	19 kcal
Proteins	0.82 g
Carbohydrates	4.51 g
Fats	0,13 g
Fibre	1.7 g
Sodium	2 mg
Potassium	125 mg
Magnesium	12 mg
Iron	0.34 mg
Calcium	17 mg
Vitamin C	7.7 mg
Vitamin B9	93 mg

Having undertaken professional culinary training from the Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute, I understand the flavour profiles and the matching principles for the two main ingredients. The carrot is crisp and sweet with an earthy undertone. Whereas the christophene appears to be mild and subtle the perfect canvas to absorb flavour.
Thus I present to you, an adult-only recipe to include veggies in your diet.This drink is definitely not harsh on the palate, since the main spirit (vodka) is extremely light, not aged in oak barrels and it simply seems to disappear off the tongue. 

Pickled Christophene and Carrot Martini

I must say, do not be intimidated by the steps. It might appear to be complex but it isn’t.

Serving 1

Ingredients

·         2 ounces christophene infused vodka (recipe below)

·         1 ounce pickled christophene(recipe below)

·         2 ounces carrot puree (recipe below)

Christophene Infused Vodka

·         2 ounces Absolut vodka

·         1 ounce christophene peeled and julienned (cut into thin long slices)

Pickled Christophene

·        2 ounces Apple cider vinegar

·        1/8 tsp Salt

·        1 tsp White sugar

·        1/8 tsp Black pepper

·        1 small clove of garlic (finely minced)

Carrot Puree

·        8 ounces chopped carrots

·        3 ounces pineapple juice

Instructions

Christophene Infused Vodka

1.     Combine vodka and christophene in a clean mason jar.

2.     Close jar tightly and store in a cool dry place for 2 days.

3.      Give it a good shake once or twice per day.

4.     Strain christophene from the vodka and reserve the infused vodka for the cocktail and the christophene for the garnish.

Pickled Christophene

1.       Use the christophene from step 4 above.

2.       Dissolve the salt and sugar into the apple cider vinegar. Add the black-pepper and minced garlic.

3.       Allow this mixture to infuse for 15 minutes covered at room temperature.

4.       Add the julienned christophene to the apple cider vinegar mixture and allow it to infuse into the julienned christophene for another 15 minutes

5.        Remove from the vinegar mixture and set aside to chill in the refridgerator.

Carrot Puree

1.       In a blender puree carrots along with pineapple juice, strain using cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve. Refridgerate in a closed container.

Carrot Christophene Martini

1.     Bundle the chilled, pickled christophene and place into the centre of the martini glass. Combine strained carrot puree and infused vodka into a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice, shake for 30 seconds and pour into martini glasse over the christophene. Enjoy!

 I can see you grinning from ear to ear and sipping with utmost satisfaction. I’m sure you are glad you tried it.