Why does handling peeled chayote make your hands feel numb/rigid?
When I peel chayotes and handle the raw flesh of the fruit, my fingers get sticky and a white solid "film" forms on my fingers. The film makes my skin feel restricted/tight. I washed my hands with soap but it doesn't go away. Is this normal? Is there a name for this chemical reaction?
Best Answer
This problem can occur with several foods including squashes, pumpkins, zucchini, and even cucumber. From what I’ve read, it is caused by a sort of sap that the fruit emits when it is cut, and it’s worse in fruits that aren’t fully ripe. (Fruit is used in the botanical sense.) Remove by simply soak your hands in warm soapy water for about 5 minutes. Then scrub them with the scrubby side of a sponge. Be sure to scrub any surface area that had the film on it. You can soak your hands longer and less scrubbing will be required.
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How do you get chayote sap off your hands?
Use cooking oil, like vegetable, olive, or canola, or margarine to get it off. Rub a small bit of oil over your hand, scrubbing lightly over the sappy spots for 30-60seconds. When you're done, wash your hands with warm water and some dish detergent to get the sap off you hands.Should chayote be peeled?
Chayote skin is edible but not as tender as its flesh, so peeling is usually a good idea. The seed in the center of the fruit is also edible.What does chayote do to skin?
Summary Chayote contains several antioxidants, including vitamin C, which may contribute to youthful-looking skin and reduce visible signs of aging.How do you handle chayote?
Young and tender chayote can be served finely sliced raw in salads, or it can be served pur\xe9ed, or diced in soups or stews, or saut\xe9ed, steamed, boiled, stir-fried, deep-fried, and baked. Chayote has a mild cucumber- to apple-like flavor and crunch and can be prepared just as you would a summer squash.How to Tell What is Causing the Numbness in Your Hands (5 Common Causes)
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Answer 2
That is the starch oxidizing, which according to the rather interesting research is methanol soluble - so you could probably use rubbing alcohol, vodka or even lemon juice to clean your hands effectively.
I looked at the thread about butternut, and in my opinion, it seems that the clear to yellowish sap released upon bruising of the flesh of the vegetable has evolved as a self-healing self-defense system. It appears to be an oxidizing agent that absorbs and crystallizes with moisture, which binds bacteria, microorganisms and insects. And dries out your skin.
Answer 3
It appears that the Chayote Squash may have inflammatory properties which may cause skin and even intestinal irritation. If you or someone you know have developed an allergic reaction to this and other fruit, please stop using it and consult a physician or allergist.
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Images: Mike, RODNAE Productions, Eren Li, Eren Li