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Kabocha Squash
Inventory, 40 lbs : 11.56
This item was last sold on : 11/26/22
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.
| Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
| Shimbashi Izakaya | Del Mar CA | 858-523-0479 |
| The Joint | San Diego CA | 619-222-8272 |
| Bali Hai Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-222-1181 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Farmer and The Seahorse | San Diego CA | 619-302-3682 |
| Ju-Ichi | San Diego CA | 619-800-2203 |
| Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Black Raill Kitchen + Bar | Carlsbad CA | 619-454-9182 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Viejas Casino Grove Steakhouse | Alpine CA | 800-295-3172 |
| Kappa Sushi | San Diego CA | 858-566-3388 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Donna Jean | San Diego CA | 619-299-5500 |
| Pendry SD (Lion Fish) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| La Clochette Du Coin-Pacific Beach | San Diego CA | 619-402-7911 |
| Blue Ocean | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-4959 |
| Secret Table | Solana Beach CA | 858-356-4054 |
| US Grant Hotel Grill | San Diego CA | 619-232-3121 |
| Chef Drew Mc Partlin | San Diego CA | 619-990-9201 |
| Gold Finch | San Diego CA | 619-804-2051 |
| Vino Carta Solana Beach | Encinitas CA | 858-353-2815 |
| Love Boat Sushi-Oceanside | Oceanside CA | 760-721-3737 |
| Ron Oliver | San Diego | 619-295-3172 |
| Communal Coffee - Oceanside | Oceanside CA | 619-920-7887 |
| Kirstin Green | San Diego CA | 619-865-6266 |
| Marriott Marina Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-234-1500 x6113 |
| Miho | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
| The Plot | Oceanside CA | 422-266-8200 |
| Sushi Kami | San Diego CA | 858-451-7799 |
| Raki Raki (Little Italy) | San Diego CA | 858-302-6405 |
| Secret Sister | San Diego CA | 619-281-0718 |
| Shootz Fish X Beer | Oceanside CA | 978-290-6914 |
| The Bier Garden | Encinitas CA | 760-632-2437 |
| KI's | Encinitas CA | 760-586-8289 |
| Uprising Pizza | El Cajon CA | 619-928-3286 |
| Naegi | Oceanside CA | 760-717-5899 |
| The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Dining | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
| Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
| Poseidon on the Beach | Del Mar CA | 858-755-9345 |
| Hoxton Manor LLC | San Diego CA | 760-586-9533 |
| The Miller's Table | Oceanside CA | 310-694-4091 |
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.
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Poway Farmers Market
JR Organics
Near Poway, California, United StatesEscondido, CA About 2 days ago, 11/26/22 
papaya blok m
Near Pulo, Jakarta, IndonesiaAbout 19 days ago, 11/08/22 Sharer's comments : kabocha 
Little Italy Mercato
Gaytan Family Farm
Near San Diego, California, United StatesRiverside, CA About 30 days ago, 10/29/22 
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market
Near Sand Lake, Florida, United States8003 Turkey Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819 407-355-7100 https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com About 32 days ago, 10/27/22 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 https://specialtyproduce.com About 71 days ago, 9/18/22 Sharer's comments : Kabocha Squash from Tutti-frutti Organics 
Playa Vista Farmers' Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Marina Del Rey, California, United StatesAbout 107 days ago, 8/13/22 
Ballard Farmer's Market
Foothills Farm
Near Seattle, Washington, United States25502 Hoehn Rd Sedro Wooley WA 98284 About 301 days ago, 1/30/22 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 329 days ago, 1/02/22 Sharer's comments : Kabocha Squash from Tutti Frutti Organics 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 351 days ago, 12/12/21 Sharer's comments : Kabocha Squash from Tutti Frutti Organics 
Specialty Produce
Tutti Frutti Organics
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 385 days ago, 11/07/21 Sharer's comments : Kabocha Squash from Tutti Frutti Organics 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Her Produce
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 404 days ago, 10/20/21 Sharer's comments : Kabocha Squash from Her Produce 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 406 days 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 407 days ago, 10/17/21 
Mar Vista Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Venice, California, United StatesAbout 414 days ago, 10/10/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tutti Frutti
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1-805-218-6122 About 418 days ago, 10/06/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 421 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 437 days ago, 9/17/21 Sharer's comments : Kabocha squash from tutti-frutti organics 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 442 days ago, 9/12/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tutti Frutti Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 446 days ago, 9/08/21 
Poway Farmers Market
Jacy Farm
Near Poway, California, United StatesAnza, CA About 464 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 464 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 505 days ago, 7/10/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 682 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 722 days ago, 12/05/20 |
