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Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Kabocha squash is small to medium in size, averaging 1-8 pounds, and is round, squat, and flat at the top and bottom with a short, corky, light brown stem. The firm, textured, coarse rind is a dull, deep green mottled with light green spots and pale, uneven stripes. The thick flesh is spongy, dense, and a deep yellow-orange with a central cavity filled with stringy pulp and many flat, cream-colored seeds. When cooked, Kabocha squash has a finely grained, dry, tender texture with a buttery, sweet, and rich, nutty flavor reminiscent of sweet potato and pumpkin.
Seasons/Availability
Kabocha squash is available year-round, with peak season in the fall through winter.
Current Facts
Kabocha squash, botanically classified as Cucurbita maxima, is a sweet squash variety that is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family along with gourds and pumpkins. Also known as the Japanese pumpkin, Kabocha squash comes in many different varieties of varying colors, and its name can have many diverse meanings in cultures across the world. In Japan, the term Kabocha refers to a generic grouping of many varieties of Japanese winter squashes and pumpkins, but outside of Japan, it refers only to the Kabocha squash varieties. Kabocha squash is favored for its excellent storage capabilities, diverse culinary abilities, and was originally developed to be a sweet and superior flavored cooking squash.
Nutritional Value
Kabocha squash provides vitamins A and C, some B vitamins, calcium, iron, and fiber. The seeds of the Kabocha squash also contain a significant amount of zinc.
Applications
Kabocha squash is best suited for cooked applications such as roasting, steaming, sautéing, baking, frying, and braising. The hard shell of Kabocha squash can be a challenge for some to cut with a knife when uncooked. For ease in cutting, the squash can first be microwaved for a few minutes to soften and can then be cooked with or without the skin. Kabocha squash holds its shape well when cooked and can be added in cubes to gratins, risottos, soups, stews, curries, and pasta. It can also be roasted on its own, combined with other root vegetables, and battered and fried tempura style or used in sushi. When cooked and pureed, it can be used to make bread, croquets, desserts, cakes, and sauces. Kabocha squash pairs well with pears, apples, lemon, kale, spinach, eggplant, garlic, sage, parsley, shallots, cilantro, nutmeg, clove, curry spice, honey, brown sugar, coconut milk, butter, cream, Italian sausage, and parmesan cheese. It will keep 1-3 months when stored in a cool and dry place.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Japan, Kabocha squash is traditionally consumed around the time of the winter solstice with shiruko or adzuki beans in a sweet soup as it is believed to help boost the immune system and help prevent colds during the winter months. Kabocha squash is also known by many names in Japan including kuri kabocha which translates to nutty pumpkin, a nod to the pumpkins flavor and a taste, and is also referred to as haku haku. Kabocha squash commands a high price in the Japanese market, so in the 1980’s, it was introduced to Tonga in efforts to create a cash crop for the country. Since that time, it has become Tonga’s primary export with the bulk of supply going to Korea and Japan.
Geography/History
Squash is believed to have originated in the Americas and was first brought to Asia and Europe by explorers in the sixteenth century. Legend has it that Portuguese explorers then introduced the Kabocha squash to Japan in the mid 16th century and the squash was mistakenly thought to have come from Cambodia because that was the last place the explorers had visited. They called the squash “Cambodia abóbora” which the Japanese renamed to be Kabocha. Today Kabocha squash can be found at farmers markets and specialty grocers in Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia, South America, and North America.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Sushi Kami | San Diego CA | 858-451-7799 |
| Blue Ocean | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-4959 |
| Scuderie Italia | San Diego CA | 858-352-6912 |
| Chef de Cuisine | San Diego CA | 619-248-0538 |
| Enclave | Miramar CA | 808-554-4219 |
| Raki Raki (Little Italy) | San Diego CA | 858-302-6405 |
| Kappa Sushi | San Diego CA | 858-566-3388 |
| Reata Glen | Ladera Ranch CA | 949-545-2250 |
| The Rose | San Diego CA | 619-572-7671 |
| Orens Fine Foods | San Diego CA | 510-910-2298 |
| Panca Peruvian | Oceanside CA | 760-722-3396 |
| Shimbashi Izakaya | Del Mar CA | 858-523-0479 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Love Boat Sushi-Oceanside | Oceanside CA | 760-721-3737 |
| Pendry SD (Lion Fish) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| Hapi Fish Restaurant | Encinitas CA | 760-452-7245 |
| Love Boat Sushi-San Marcos | San Marcos CA | 760-471-7722 |
| Crown Point Catering | San Diego CA | 619-223-1211 |
| Blue Ocean La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-999-4073 |
| Sushi Tadokoro | San Diego CA | 619-347-2792 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Kabocha Squash. One
is
easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Kabocha Squash using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 94 days ago, 1/14/21 Sharer's comments : Kabocha Squash from The Garden of 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tamai family farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 134 days ago, 12/05/20 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock Street San Diego, CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 220 days ago, 9/10/20 
Super Indo Cinere
Near Ciputat, Banten, IndonesiaAbout 278 days ago, 7/14/20 Sharer's comments : labu kabocha 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 298 days ago, 6/24/20 Sharer's comments : Hard Squash just in from Fresno Evergreen 
Market of Choice
Near Eugene, Oregon, United StatesAbout 408 days ago, 3/06/20 
Little Tokyo Marketplace
Little Tokyo Marketplace
Near Los Angeles, California, United States333 S Alameda Street #100 Los Angeles CA 90013 213-617-0030 http://www.littletokyomarket.com About 441 days ago, 2/02/20 
Tokyo Central
Tokyo Central - Imperial Hwy
Near Yorba Linda, California, United States18171 Imperial Hwy Yorba Linda CA 92886 714-386-5510 http://www.tokyocentralmarket.com About 449 days ago, 1/25/20 
Dong Mai Supermarket
Dong Mai Market
Near Signal Hill, California, United States1241 E Anaheim Street Long Beach CA 90813 562-591-1000 About 449 days ago, 1/25/20 
Zion Market
Zion Market - Zionmart
Near Irvine, California, United States5331 University Drive Irvine CA 92612 949-872-2233 https://www.zionmarket.com About 450 days ago, 1/24/20 
Ballard Farmers Market
Washington, United StatesAbout 497 days ago, 12/08/19 Sharer's comments : Buttery, sweet, and nutty - every meal is a win! 
Little Italy Mercato
Jacy Farm Sung Goo Cho
Near San Diego, California, United States951-837-0536 About 505 days ago, 11/30/19 Sharer's comments : Organic 
Vista Farmers Market
J.R. Organics
Near Vista, California, United States760-453-4144 About 575 days ago, 9/21/19 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Chao - Fresno Evergreen Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesFresno, CA 559-385-4959 About 592 days ago, 9/04/19 Sharer's comments : Kaboom! Kabocha is happening. 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Shu
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesLos Olivia, CA 1-805-245-1607 About 599 days ago, 8/28/19 Sharer's comments : Kabocha Squash is in from The Garden Of.... 
Buford Highway Farmers Market
Buford HWY Farmers Market
Near Doraville, Georgia, United States5600 Buford HWY NE Doraville GA 30340 770-455-0770 About 603 days ago, 8/24/19 Sharer's comments : Kabocha squash at Buford Farmers Market 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Specialty
Near Santa Monica, California, United States619-295-3172 About 620 days ago, 8/07/19 Sharer's comments : Hard Squashes making their way into the market 
Tokyo Fish Market
Near Albany, California, United StatesAbout 624 days ago, 8/03/19 
Island Pacific Supermarket
Island Pacific Supermarket - Vallejo, CA
Near Vallejo, California, United States2110 Springs Road #24 Vallejo CA 94591 707-552-6730 www.islandpacificmarket.com About 625 days ago, 8/02/19 
San Mateo Produce Market
Near San Mateo, California, United StatesAbout 626 days ago, 8/01/19 
Palace of Fruit
Palace Of Fruit
Near Cotati, California, United States8 Ely Road North Petaluma CA 94954 707-795-5311 About 635 days ago, 7/23/19 
Sunset super
Sunset Super
Near San Francisco, California, United States2425 Irving Street San Francisco CA 94122 415-682-3738 About 645 days ago, 7/13/19 
Richmond Produce
Richmond Produce Market
Near San Francisco, California, United States5527 Geary Blvd San Francisco CA 94121 415-387-2512 About 645 days ago, 7/13/19 
Gus’s Community Market
Gus’s Community Market
Near San Francisco, California, United States2111 Harrison Street San Francisco CA 94110 415-431-9300 About 646 days ago, 7/12/19 
Hiep-Thanh Market
Hiep-Thanh Market
Near San Francisco, California, United States724 Larkin Street San Francisco CA 94109 415-474-1377 About 646 days ago, 7/12/19 
West LA International Market
West LA International Market/Arab Market
Near Culver City, California, United States10817 Venice Blvd Lis Angeles CA 90034 310-918-6273 About 660 days ago, 6/28/19 
American Ranch & Seafood Market
American Ranch & Seafood Market
Near Artesia, California, United States19105 Pioneer Blvd Artesia CA 90701 562-924-7000 About 666 days ago, 6/22/19 
Fresh Choice Marketplace
Fresh Choice Marketplace - Katella Ave
Near Stanton, California, United States9922 Katella Ave. Anaheim CA 92804 714-539-9999 About 666 days ago, 6/22/19 
Tokyo Central
Tokyo Central
Near South Coast Metro, California, United States2975 Harbor Blvd. Costa Mesa CA 92626 714-751-8433 About 667 days ago, 6/21/19 
Mitsuwa Marketplace
Mitsuwa Marketplace - Costa Mesa
Near South Coast Metro, California, United States665 Paularino Ave. Costa Mesa CA 92626 714-557-6699 About 667 days ago, 6/21/19 
Seiwa Market
Seiwa Market
Near South Coast Metro, California, United States3151 Harbor Blvd. Costa Mesa CA 92626 714-852-6980 About 667 days ago, 6/21/19 
Natural Grocers
Near Eugene, Oregon, United StatesAbout 708 days ago, 5/11/19 |
