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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.
| Love Boat Sushi-San Marcos | San Marcos CA | 760-471-7722 |
| Four Seasons Residence Club | Carlsbad CA | 760-603-6360 |
| Azuki Sushi Lounge | San Diego CA | 619-238-4760 |
| Semola | La Jolla CA | 858-247-9670 |
| The Shores | La Jolla CA | 858-459-8271 |
| Olivewood Gardens & Learning Center-Donation | National City CA | 619-434-4281 |
| Viejas Casino Baron Long's | Alpine CA | 619-863-9033 |
| Belching Beaver Brewery Tavern and Grill | Vista CA | 760-509-4424 |
| Pendry SD (Lion Fish) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-586-8289 |
| Personal Chef for Seniors | San Diego CA | 619-905-9449 |
| InterContinental San Diego | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| US Grant Hotel Main | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Panca Peruvian | Oceanside CA | 760-722-3396 |
| Le Parfait Paris- Downtown | San Diego CA | 619-245-4457 |
| Artifact at Mingei | San Diego CA | 619-846-2164 |
| Kappa Sushi | San Diego CA | 858-566-3388 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Miho | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
| InterContinental Banquet Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Farmer and The Seahorse 2020 | San Diego CA | 619-302-3682 |
| White Rice LPM | San Diego CA | 619-564-2618 |
| Berry Good Food Foundation | La Jolla CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Sushi Kami | San Diego CA | 858-451-7799 |
| Love Boat Sushi-Oceanside | Oceanside CA | 760-721-3737 |
| The Joint | San Diego CA | 619-222-8272 |
| Hoxton Manor LLC | San Diego CA | 760-586-9533 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Booze Brothers Brewing Co. | Vista CA | 760-639-8338 |
| Blue Ocean | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-4959 |
| Secret Sister | San Diego CA | 619-281-0718 |
| Open Gym-Craft Meals | San Diego CA | 619-865-3024 |
| Cucina Sorella | San Diego CA | 858-232-7808 |
| Uprising Pizza | El Cajon CA | 619-928-3286 |
| Mesa College | San Diego CA | 619-388-2240 |
| Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
| Kairoa Brewing Company | San Diego CA | 858-735-0051 |
| Shimbashi Izakaya | Del Mar CA | 858-523-0479 |
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 a day ago, 10/17/21 Sharer's comments : Kabocha Squash from Tutti Frutti Organics 
Leucadia Farmer's Market
Jacy Farm
Near Encinitas, California, United StatesAnza, CA About a day ago, 10/17/21 
Mar Vista Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Venice, California, United StatesAbout 7 days ago, 10/10/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tutti Frutti
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1-805-218-6122 About 12 days ago, 10/06/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 14 days ago, 10/03/21 Sharer's comments : Kabocha squash from Tutti Frutti Organics 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 30 days ago, 9/17/21 Sharer's comments : Kabocha squash from tutti-frutti organics 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 35 days ago, 9/12/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tutti Frutti Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 39 days ago, 9/08/21 
Poway Farmers Market
Jacy Farm
Near Poway, California, United StatesAnza, CA About 57 days ago, 8/21/21 Sharer's comments : Buttery, sweet and nutty - love this squash in green curry 🍛 
Poway Farmers Market
Jacy Farm
Near Poway, California, United StatesAnza, CA About 57 days ago, 8/21/21 Sharer's comments : Buttery, sweet and nutty - love this squash in green curry 🍛 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 99 days ago, 7/10/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 276 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 316 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 402 days ago, 9/10/20 
Super Indo Cinere
Near Ciputat, Banten, IndonesiaAbout 460 days ago, 7/14/20 Sharer's comments : labu kabocha 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 481 days ago, 6/24/20 Sharer's comments : Hard Squash just in from Fresno Evergreen 
Market of Choice
Near Eugene, Oregon, United StatesAbout 590 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 623 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 631 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 631 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 632 days ago, 1/24/20 
Ballard Farmers Market
Washington, United StatesAbout 679 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 687 days ago, 11/30/19 Sharer's comments : Organic |
