Street
mirliton
What does mirliton mean?
What the rest of the world calls chayote squash, New Orleans calls a mirliton — pronounced 'MEL-uh-tahn' locally. Stuffed with shrimp and breadcrumbs, it's a Creole holiday-table classic. Vines grow on backyard fences all over the city.
"Mama's making stuffed mirliton for Thanksgiving."
Origin
French Louisiana name for Sechium edule, the chayote. The word comes from French 'mirliton' (a kazoo-like instrument), the New World fruit adopted the name in Louisiana and the Caribbean.
Frequently asked questions
What is a mirliton?
Mirliton is the New Orleans name for the chayote — a vegetable pear and pantry staple.
How do you use mirliton in a sentence?
"Grandma's stuffing a mirliton with shrimp for dinner."
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