Bizen Kurokawa Squash (Okayama): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

Shipments begin from late June to early July.

Timing shifts with the weather and conditions in each region.

Official registration details (MAFF)

The registered description as published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Characteristics

It has dark green and deep-grooved rind and slightly more bumps than other dark rind squashes. The rind and flesh, low in hardness and high water content, easily maintain the shape when cooked and have a smooth texture. Because of the tradition and rarity of being a native Japanese squash, which does not exist in other areas, the squash is traded at a high price and is highly recognized by consumers. The producing area is a hilly region with many slopes that descend to the sea, so it has good drainage and is suitable for growing squashes. Amid the production of seiyo kabocha (Cucurbita maxima) flourished, the Japanese pumpkin varieties established in the early Showa period have been preserved, and the seeds have been managed, protected, and cultivated.

Link with the production area

The producing area is a hilly region with many slopes that descend to the sea, so it has good drainage and is suitable for growing squashes. Amid the production of seiyo kabocha (Cucurbita maxima) flourished, the Japanese pumpkin varieties established in the early Showa period have been preserved, and the seeds have been managed, protected, and cultivated. In Ushimado, Setouchi City, Nankin Zoni using the squash as a substitute for rice and wheat was made, and is still prepared as the local food of Okayama Prefecture.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/250701_9.html)

Where to buy

As a rule, only products that meet the registered standard may use a GI name (with exceptions such as prior use). Check for the GI mark and the place of origin to tell it apart from ordinary products with similar names.

We have not found a reliable online or furusato nozei listing yet. Ask local farm stands or the producer group.

FAQ

A native Japanese squash from Setouchi, Okayama, whose line, fixed in the early Showa era, has been carefully preserved. It is dark green with deep grooves and somewhat more bumps than other dark-skinned squashes, and it holds its shape when simmered while staying smooth.

Bizen Kurokawa Squash is produced in Setouchi City, Okayama Prefecture.

Bizen Kurokawa Squash is in season (harvested or shipped) in Jun–Aug. Shipments begin from late June to early July.

We have not confirmed a reliable online or furusato nozei listing. Local farm stands or the producer group are your best bet.

Bizen Kurokawa Squash was registered as a Geographical Indication on January 29, 2024 (Registration No. 143). The registered producer group is Bizen Kurokawa Kabocha Shinko Kyogikai (Bizen Kurokawa Squash Promotion Association).