What Is Kabocha Squash?
Kabocha squash looks like a small round pumpkin with dark green skin and lighter-color stripes or bumps. Orange-skin varieties can also be found. The flesh is orange, similar to butternut squash. While it’s often prepared as a vegetable, kabocha squash (along with other winter squashes) are fruits.
Selecting Kabocha Squash
This winter squash is available late summer to early fall. Look for kabocha squash with dull, unblemished skin and no soft spots. It should feel heavy for its size.
Storing Kabocha Squash
Kabocha squash will last several months stored in a cool, dry place between 50°F and 60°F. Don’t store it near apples, pears, onions, or potatoes, which give off ethylene gas that may spoil the squash. Once cut, wrap squash in plastic wrap you can refrigerate it for several days.
Kabocha Squash Nutrition
Kabocha squash is rich in beta-carotene (an immune-boosting phytochemical that the body turns into vitamin A) and vitamin C as well as some B vitamins, potassium, and magnesium. It’s also low in calories and considered a healthy complex carb.
Nutrition for a ⅔ cup serving of kabocha squash: 30 calories, 1g of protein, 7g of carbohydrates, and 0g of fat.
How to Cut Kabocha Squash
Before you can cook kabocha, follow these tips for prepping kabocha. The skin of kabocha squash is entirely edible. Leave it on or peel, if desired.
How to Cook Kabocha Squash
Kabocha squash tastes like a cross between acorn squash and sweet potato but has a fluffier texture when cooked. It can be used in any recipe calling for fresh pumpkin or any hearty winter squash, such as buttercup, acorn, or butternut squash.
How to Roast Kabocha Squash
Bake kabocha in the oven when you want to serve it mashed, or enjoy it as an easy side. Prep and cut the kabocha squash, then follow these steps:
Cooking Kabocha Squash in the Microwave
Prepare kabocha squash using the directions above and use the following steps to cook it in the microwave: While kabocha squash recipes may be hard to find, you can use this squash variety in recipes calling for other winter squashes. Use an equal ratio of kabocha squash to butternut squash, acorn squash, or pumpkin. Though if you’re substituting kabocha squash for delicata squash, you might want to decrease the cook time a bit, as delicata tends to cook a bit faster. Find a new cool-weather recipe to feature kabocha squash such as winter squash chili or a hearty holiday stuffing recipe.
