Produce Briefs...
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime, scientific name, X Citrofortunella mitis & Citrus microcarpa, is also known as the lime orange, Chinese orange or Calamondin orange.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Pinkglow™ Pineapple
Pinkglow™ pineapples are small to medium fruits with an oval to cylindrical shape.
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.
| Kairoa Brewing Company | San Diego CA | 858-735-0051 |
| O'Brien's Pub | San Diego CA | 858-715-1745 |
| Love Boat Sushi-Oceanside | Oceanside CA | 760-721-3737 |
| Kappa Sushi | San Diego CA | 858-566-3388 |
| Secret Sister | San Diego CA | 619-281-0718 |
| Deckmans en el Mogor | Ensanada Baja | 646-188-3960 |
| Love Boat Sushi-San Marcos | San Marcos CA | 760-471-7722 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Belmont Park Cannonball | San Diego CA | 858-228-9283 |
| Sabuku Sushi | San Diego CA | 619-281-9700 |
| Blue Ocean | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-4959 |
| Semola | La Jolla CA | 858-247-9670 |
| Artifact at Mingei | San Diego CA | 619-846-2164 |
| Leroy's Kitchen & Lounge | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Del Mar Country Club | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-5500 x207 |
| Little Frenchie | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Carte Blanche Bistro & Bar | Oceanside CA | 619-297-3100 |
| The Pearl Hotel | San Diego CA | 877-732-7573 |
| Sushi Tadokoro | San Diego CA | 619-347-2792 |
| Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
| Cucina Sorella | San Diego CA | 858-232-7808 |
| Blue Ocean La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-999-4073 |
| Shimbashi Izakaya | Del Mar CA | 858-523-0479 |
| Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Grill | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| La Jolla Country Club | San Diego CA | 858-454-9601 |
| Weapon MO8 | San Diego CA | 619-883-8525 |
| Barbarella La Jolla | La Jolla CA | 858-454-7373 |
| Miho | San Diego CA | 619-365-5655 |
| Pendry SD (Lion Fish) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| The Lion Share | San Diego CA | 619-564-6924 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Panca Peruvian | Oceanside CA | 760-722-3396 |
| Hoxton Manor LLC | San Diego CA | 760-586-9533 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Weapon LPM | San Diego CA | 619-564-2618 |
| Herb & Wood | San Diego CA | 520-205-1288 |
| Sushi Kami | San Diego CA | 858-451-7799 |
| Cesarina | San Diego CA | 619-226-6222 |
| Luce | San Diego CA | 619-275-2094 |
| Hott Mess | San Diego CA | 619-297-1866 |
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 25 days ago, 1/02/22 Sharer's comments : Kabocha Squash from Tutti Frutti Organics 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 46 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 81 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 99 days ago, 10/20/21 Sharer's comments : Kabocha Squash from Her Produce 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 102 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 102 days ago, 10/17/21 
Mar Vista Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Venice, California, United StatesAbout 109 days ago, 10/10/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tutti Frutti
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1-805-218-6122 About 113 days ago, 10/06/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 116 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 132 days ago, 9/17/21 Sharer's comments : Kabocha squash from tutti-frutti organics 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 137 days ago, 9/12/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tutti Frutti Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 141 days ago, 9/08/21 
Poway Farmers Market
Jacy Farm
Near Poway, California, United StatesAnza, CA About 159 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 159 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 201 days ago, 7/10/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 378 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 418 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 504 days ago, 9/10/20 
Super Indo Cinere
Near Ciputat, Banten, IndonesiaAbout 561 days ago, 7/14/20 Sharer's comments : labu kabocha 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 582 days ago, 6/24/20 Sharer's comments : Hard Squash just in from Fresno Evergreen 
Market of Choice
Near Eugene, Oregon, United StatesAbout 692 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 725 days ago, 2/02/20 |
