Produce Briefs...
Orange Honeydew Melon
Oval-to-round and a delicious cross between a cantaloupe and a honeydew, the very fleshy juicy orangish-yellow pulp of the orange honeydew melon is encased in a hard very yellow matching rind.
Iceberg Lettuce
It is the only lettuce type that does not occur in red form as well as green. Iceberg is the given name to dozens of cultivars of lettuce, all of which are adapted to specific planting regions and time periods.
Seasons/Availability
Hard Red Kuri squash is available from early fall into mid winter.
Description/Taste
This is a very productive Japanese variety with thick walled deep orange skin. Its creamy yellow flesh is nutty and sweet. Each squash weigh between four and seven pounds, with a flavor that is reminiscent of chestnuts.
Nutritional Value
All squashes provide vitamin A and vitamin C, some of the B vitamins, calcium, potassium, iron, riboflavin, thiamine and are a good source of fiber.
Applications
Hard-skinned Red Kuri squash can be difficult to peel and are most easily cooked in their skin. Split squash in half, scoop out seeds and roast, cut-side down until tender. Blend cooked squash flesh into soup with fennel, onions, root vegetables, curry or fall spices. Grate flesh and bake into gratins or casseroles with cream and cheese. Puree squash with syrup or vanilla for compote or bake diced squash into bread pudding with apples. Hard red kuri squash will keep in cool, dry storage for up to six weeks.
Geography/History
A select Japanese winter variety and also known as uchiki kuri squash or potimarron, Red Kuri squash is a native of Japan. This squash has also been called baby Red Hubbard and is of the genus Curcurbita maxima. Drought tolerant, each vine produces multiple teardrop-shaped fruits, usually three, about ninety days after blooming.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Hard Red Kuri Squash. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
Someone spotted Hard Red Kuri Squash using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting 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.
|
Fresh Mart on West Nanjing Road Near Shanghai, Shanghai, China About 32 days ago Spotter's comments : Fresh Red Kuri Squash from Shanghai. |
