Edosaki Kabocha Squash (Ibaraki): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

Harvested and shipped from May to August and again in November and December.

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

Edosaki Kabocha is a squash which is harvested after it is fully ripened Generally, Edosaki Kabocha is harvested after 55 days since the plant bears the squash. Therefore, it has soft and fresh-baked texture with rich sweetness. Its rind is deep green with a rough surface and the flesh inside has deep orange color.

Link with the production area

The producing area has volcanic ash soil (Kanto loam layer) having a high drainage and also it gets moderate rainfall throughout a year. Since the squash is vulnerable to over-humidity, this area is suitable for squash production. Producers have maintained their strict cultivation and field control for over 50 years, which enabled the area to harvest fully ripened Edosaki Kabocha.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s6.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.

Find on furusato nozei (opens in a new tab)

These links go to Japanese-language shops; check whether they ship overseas.

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FAQ

Edosaki Kabocha is a squash grown in Inashiki City and Katsuracho in Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Because it is harvested only when fully ripe, it has a fluffy, starchy texture and a pronounced sweetness. The rind is deep green and rough, and the flesh is a deep orange.

Edosaki Kabocha Squash is produced in Inashiki City and Katsuracho in Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture.

Edosaki Kabocha Squash is in season (harvested or shipped) in May–Aug, Nov–Dec. Harvested and shipped from May to August and again in November and December.

Look for it via furusato nozei (hometown tax donation). Check the GI mark and the place of origin before you buy.

Edosaki Kabocha Squash was registered as a Geographical Indication on December 22, 2015 (Registration No. 6). The registered producer group is JA Inashiki (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives).