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Kabocha Squash
Inventory, 40 lbs : 17.40
This item was last sold on : 09/26/23
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.
| Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering | San Diego CA | 619-838-8268 |
| Blue Ocean | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-4959 |
| Deeply Nourished | San Diego CA | 808-489-7366 |
| Leichtag Foundation | Encinitas CA | 760-230-6772 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (Banquets) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
| Giaola | Carlsbad CA | 858-266-9303 |
| Ketch Grill and Taps | San Diego CA | 858-268-1030 |
| Shimbashi Izakaya | Del Mar CA | 858-523-0479 |
| UCSD Revelle Catering | La Jolla CA | (858) 822-1208 |
| The Wild Thyme Company | San Diego CA | 858-527-0226 |
| Southwestern Yacht Club | San Diego CA | 619-222-0438 |
| Lumi | San Diego CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Viejas Casino Grove Steakhouse | Alpine CA | 800-295-3172 |
| Saiko Sushi-Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-435-0868 |
| Little Frenchie | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Park Commons - ARE | San Diego CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Kinme Omakase | San Diego CA | 619-231-0700 |
| Artifact at Mingei | San Diego CA | 619-846-2164 |
| Shootz Fish X Beer | Oceanside CA | 978-290-6914 |
| Animae | San Diego CA | 619-925-7908 |
| UCSD Food & Nutrition Department Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-380-9840 |
| Mikami | San Diego CA | 619-780-0974 |
| The Joint | San Diego CA | 619-222-8272 |
| Sushi Kami | San Diego CA | 858-451-7799 |
| Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
| Belmont Park Cannonball | San Diego CA | 858-228-9283 |
| The Bowl | San Diego CA | 619-813-5865 |
| Cardiff Seaside Market | Cardiff CA | 760-753-5445 |
| Kappa Sushi | San Diego CA | 858-566-3388 |
| Coast Catering | Escondido CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Sheraton Carlsbad (20/20) | Carlsbad CA | 760-827-2400 |
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 38 days ago, 8/21/23 Sharer's comments : Kabocha Squash from Tutti Frutti Organics 
superindo pejaten
Near Jakarta, Jakarta Capital Region, IndonesiaAbout 186 days ago, 3/25/23 Sharer's comments : labu kabocha 
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 200 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 255 days ago, 1/16/23 Sharer's comments : Kabocha Squash from JR Organics 
superinfo depok town centre
Near Depok, Jawa Barat, IndonesiaAbout 272 days ago, 12/29/22 Sharer's comments : labu kabocha 
Poway Farmers Market
JR Organics
Near Poway, California, United StatesEscondido, CA About 306 days ago, 11/26/22 
papaya blok m
Near Pulo, Jakarta, IndonesiaAbout 323 days ago, 11/08/22 Sharer's comments : kabocha 
Little Italy Mercato
Gaytan Family Farm
Near San Diego, California, United StatesRiverside, CA About 334 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 336 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 375 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 411 days ago, 8/13/22 
Ballard Farmer's Market
Foothills Farm
Near Seattle, Washington, United States25502 Hoehn Rd Sedro Wooley WA 98284 About 605 days ago, 1/30/22 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 633 days ago, 1/02/22 Sharer's comments : Kabocha Squash from Tutti Frutti Organics 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 655 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 689 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 708 days ago, 10/20/21 Sharer's comments : Kabocha Squash from Her Produce 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 710 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 711 days ago, 10/17/21 
Mar Vista Farmers Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Venice, California, United StatesAbout 718 days ago, 10/10/21 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Tutti Frutti
Near Santa Monica, California, United States1-805-218-6122 About 722 days ago, 10/06/21 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 725 days ago, 10/03/21 Sharer's comments : Kabocha squash from Tutti Frutti Organics |
