Kabocha

Kabocha (kah-BOW-cha) is a generic grouping (as well as a specific marketing name in this country) for many strains of Japanese pumpkin and winter squash of both Cucurbita maxima and Cucurbita moschata species. Home Delite, Ebisu, Delica, Hoka, Chirimen, Hyuga, Hoka, and Sweet Mama are all varieties that might be called kabochas in a Japanese or American market. These Oriental squash, of flattened drum or turban shapes, deep green-skinned, superficially resemble the buttercup. What you cannot see is what they have in common with one another: exceptionally fine flavor, rich sweetness, and almost fiberless flesh.