Choice and storage

Kabocha squash, being a winter or arduous squash kind, is grown within the heat season and could be saved for 3-4 months (by the winter).

Kabocha squash is obtainable from October to January within the farmer’s markets. Select common measurement fruits that includes dry and intact stems. Keep away from these with blemished/mushy/rot stem, broken, cuts/punctured, and so on.

At residence, Kabocha retains for two to 4 months or extra if saved in a cool, dry, and darkish place.

Lower sections, nevertheless, ought to be used within the cooking early. In the event you select to maintain it prolonged use (as much as 1-2 days solely), then place it inside a plastic wrap within the fridge set at excessive relative humidity.

Preparation and serving strategies

Kabocha squash is a well-liked winter vegetable within the U.S, Japan, and Canada. It may be utilized in any recipe calling for butternut squash or pumpkin.

Kabocha are recognized for his or her dry-textured flesh, which holds their form in entire baked, stuffed, stews and curries. It’s best fitted to baking, roasting, steaming, stuffing, boiling, and sautéing.

Its rind is hard, and though edible, some cooks favor to peel it earlier than consumption.

It can be sliced into rings or cubes and utilized in an countless array of recipes resembling soups, salads, stews, gratins, sandwiches, and risotto.

Suffed Kabocha. Stuffing consists of bread, bacon, sausage, onion, celery, and herbs. Courtesy: Tim Evanson.

Listed below are some serving ideas:

• Kabocha is a well-liked vegetable in Japan, utilized in soups, sushi, and tempura dishes.

• Uncooked kabocha is used grated right into a winter salad, which add a candy crunch and burst of orange coloration.

• Lower Kabocha in halves, scoop off seeds, and filled with bread, grains, bacon, meat, cheese, mushrooms, and leafy greens and herbs, and bake in oven.

• Get pleasure from kabocha squash gratin with complementing greens, or sausage.

• Mashed/pureed Kabocha is a wholesome different to mashed potato.

• Baked and pureed or mashed kabocha flesh can be utilized as a filling for empanadas, enchiladas, and ravioli, or utilized in desserts, pies, puddings, and bread.

• Kabocha squash makes a scrumptious creamy soup.

• Kabocha squash kernels could be eaten as snack. Merely toast the seeds within the oven and luxuriate in!

Security profile

Allergic reactions to kabocha squash are uncommon. Pregnant ladies and infants can safely take pleasure in it. (Medical disclaimer).

You may additionally prefer to learn ≻≻-

≻≻- Spaghetti squash vitamin info.

≻≻- Acorn squash vitamin info.

≻≻- Delicata squash vitamin info.

≻≻-Pattypan squash vitamin info.

≻≻-Again to Greens from Kabocha Squash vitamin. Go to right here for a powerful listing of greens with full illustrations of their vitamin info and
well being advantages.

≻≻-Again to Residence web page.

Additional studying:

1. USDA Nationwide Nutrient Database.

2. Kabocha and Buttercup Squash for Western Oregon Gardens- Oregon State College Extension Service.

3. Watch your backyard grow- College of Illinois Extension (PDF).