Orange Kabocha

Those of you who have lived in Japan for a while probably know that Halloween here is very different, although it seems to be gaining in popularity all the time. One aspect of Halloween that Japanese aren't so familiar with is the pumpkin carving tradition. If you ask anyone in Japan, they have probably never carved a pumpkin, but might enjoy trying.

The pumpkins in Japan, or kabocha, are dark green and thick with fruit (is that what it's called? meat?) so they wouldn't be easy to carve. They're already hard enough to cut when you want to cook them. (Insider tip: microwave or boil kabocha whole for a bit first to get them soft enough to cut.) The ones grown specifically for carving really aren't meant to be eaten - they have thinner walls so they're easier to cut through.

I've been to Halloween parties here in Japan where guests "carve pumpkins" or whatever we can find that would work. Anything from persimmons, oranges, orange bell peppers (or capsicum) , to small pumpkins or squash that can be found. Orange pumpkins aren't really sold here. Every once in a while you'll see one as a decoration somewhere, uncarved, probably with a face drawn on it. If you can find them in October at places like Costco they are often sold out quickly. 

(Why are these in plastic bags?)

I was a little surprised to see some of these tiny orange pumpkins, and in July. I think kabocha is a fall food, after all it's warming and goes well with soups. It needs to be heated so I never cook it in summer. I don't remember seeing them during summer, but lately I see small ones all the time. Maybe they are just being harvested too early? They say kabocha, but they're orange, so maybe they're one variety that isn't as popular for eating. In the US we eat all kinds of squash that I've never seen here. Good thing kabocha is easy to find and yummy.

I also saw these super discounted pumpkins along with some green kabocha. They're small for carving standards, but would make nice decorations at least. The timing is a little off, but maybe orange pumpkins are catching on for the Halloween season. Can you find them where you live?