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Kabocha Squash
Inventory, 40 lbs : 9.39
This item was last sold on : 03/22/23
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.
| The Santaluz Club Inc - Main Dining | San Diego CA | 858-759-3150 |
| Blue Ocean | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-4959 |
| Reata Glen | Ladera Ranch CA | 949-545-2250 |
| Blind Lady | San Diego CA | 619-381-4475 |
| Farmer and The Seahorse | San Diego CA | 619-302-3682 |
| Love Boat Sushi-Oceanside | Oceanside CA | 760-721-3737 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Shimbashi Izakaya | Del Mar CA | 858-523-0479 |
| SD Continuing Education Culinary Arts | 619-719-6924 | |
| Artifact at Mingei | San Diego CA | 619-846-2164 |
| Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
| Southwestern Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-222-0438 |
| Gold Finch | San Diego CA | 619-804-2051 |
| Viejas Casino Grove Steakhouse | Alpine CA | 800-295-3172 |
| Raki Raki (Little Italy) | San Diego CA | 858-302-6405 |
| Kappa Sushi | San Diego CA | 858-566-3388 |
| Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-381-8289 |
| Ju-Ichi | San Diego CA | 619-800-2203 |
| Trust Restaurant | San Diego CA | 609-780-7572 |
| The Joint | San Diego CA | 619-222-8272 |
| Claytons Bakery & Bistro | Coronado CA | 619-435-5425 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Hotel Palomar-Salt Box Banquets | San Diego CA | 619-515-3003 |
| Sushi Kami | San Diego CA | 858-451-7799 |
| Secret Sister | San Diego CA | 619-281-0718 |
| Pacifica Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-792-0505 |
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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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 12 days ago, 3/11/23 Sharer's comments : Kabocha Squash Tutti Frutti Organics 
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 66 days ago, 1/16/23 Sharer's comments : Kabocha Squash from JR Organics 
superinfo depok town centre
Near Depok, Jawa Barat, IndonesiaAbout 84 days ago, 12/29/22 Sharer's comments : labu kabocha 
Poway Farmers Market
JR Organics
Near Poway, California, United StatesEscondido, CA About 117 days ago, 11/26/22 
papaya blok m
Near Pulo, Jakarta, IndonesiaAbout 135 days ago, 11/08/22 Sharer's comments : kabocha 
Little Italy Mercato
Gaytan Family Farm
Near San Diego, California, United StatesRiverside, CA About 145 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 147 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 186 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 222 days ago, 8/13/22 
Ballard Farmer's Market
Foothills Farm
Near Seattle, Washington, United States25502 Hoehn Rd Sedro Wooley WA 98284 About 417 days ago, 1/30/22 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 445 days ago, 1/02/22 Sharer's comments : Kabocha Squash from Tutti Frutti Organics 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 466 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 501 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 519 days ago, 10/20/21 Sharer's comments : Kabocha Squash from Her Produce 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 522 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 522 days ago, 10/17/21 
Mar Vista Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Venice, California, United StatesAbout 529 days ago, 10/10/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tutti Frutti
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1-805-218-6122 About 533 days ago, 10/06/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 536 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 552 days ago, 9/17/21 Sharer's comments : Kabocha squash from tutti-frutti organics 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 557 days ago, 9/12/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tutti Frutti Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 561 days ago, 9/08/21 
Poway Farmers Market
Jacy Farm
Near Poway, California, United StatesAnza, CA About 579 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 579 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 621 days ago, 7/10/21 |
