Kikuza Squash

Kikuza Squash

(Curcurbita moschata)



Kikuza squash is a Japanese heirloom winter squash that dates back to the Edo period.  The plants have a short vertical profile with dark green foliage that can run for ten feet or more.  Each vine can set several pale-colored fruit that develop a light tan finish when mature.  The flesh is sweet, dry and has nut-like overtones.

Kikuza is also known in Japan by a carelessly ribald name, "Chrysanthemum Seat."  I won't offend anyone by telling the tale but I will offer two hints.  The first is a Japanese play from the Kanze school entitled "Chrysanthemum Boy."  It tells a 13th century story of a boy who became immortal by drinking the dew from a chrysanthemum flower.   The second hint is the picture of an inverted Kikuza.

Kikuza have little or no presence in the American market place but a small farm in the East Bay recently trialed a patch of Kikuza.    A famous restaurant snatched up their entire crop.  My crop, however, is unclaimed and is lounging on their chrysanthemum seats in the Sonoma sunshine.  It's enough to make a farmer want to grow Hubbard squash again.  Well, almost.

These Kikuza squash were organically grown in my garden in the Valley of the Moon.

Seed source:  Baker Seeds

C Lindquist
Vegetables of Interest 2007

Comments

[the chocolate lady]

Now I am getting confused. I think Kikuzas, yokohamas, and futtsus are all called futtsus back here. I will be delighted to relieve you of a kikuza squash, and offer in exchange some Persian dried cantaloupe.
I am so glad to have come across your fascinating blog.