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: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.3% Yes
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46.7% No
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But there is a silver lining: buyers are still in a strong position when it comes to negotiating prices.
So we’re curious…
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As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
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