What’s the difference Japanese and Western squash?
What is the difference between Western and Japanese ones?
90% of the squashes available in Japan are Western squashes. 10% are Japanese squashes.
Today we are talking about squash.
What is the difference between Western squash and Japanese squash?
There is also a difference in appearance between Japanese squashes and Western squashes. Japanese ones have deep grooves and are rugged.
There is also a difference in taste, Japanese ones are sticky and succulent, so it is suitable for simmered and fried foods.
Western ones are sweet, soft and fluffy texture. In addition to simmered and fried foods, it is also suitable for dishes such as croquettes.
The origin of the Kabocha name is a certain country
Squash in Japan are called Kabocha. This is said to have originated in a certain country. Squash were brought to Japan by the Portuguese. However, the Portuguese brought it from Cambodia.
In Portuguese, Cambodia is called Camboja. When you listen to the pronunciation with the translation app, you can hear that the pronunciation is similar to that of Kabocha.
I love the Japanese people at the time when they heard Camboja as Kabocha. Kawaii !!
When is squash delicious to eat?
Squashes are harvested from June to September, but in reality, squashes that are two to three months old are often tastier than those that are eaten immediately after harvesting. This depends on the variety.
That’s why I have an image of the squash is winter.
However, eat the cut squash as soon as possible. When storing cut squash, the seeds can be hollowed out, wrapped in plastic wrap, and stored in the refrigerator for about a week.
Squash has a lot of nutrition!
Squash has a lot of nutrition.
Contains β-carotene, vitamins B1, B2, C, E, dietary fiber, etc.
Beta-carotene enhances the resistance of the skin and mucous membranes and is good for the eyes, so those who use a computer on a daily basis want to take it positively.
Vitamins are good for relieving fatigue and promoting blood circulation. Dietary fiber helps to tone the intestines.
There is an easy way to cut squash
I think there are some people who are afraid to cut the squash because it is hard. But squash can be easily cut using the principle of leverage.
Still, if you are troublesome, you can buy a cut squash.
Easy way to cut squash
- First, stab the chopsticks on the opposite side of the squash calyx, that is, on the side where the squash is turned upside down. Insert it all the way to the center of the squash and pull out the chopsticks.
- Insert the tip of the knife into the hole where you stabbed the chopsticks and lower the knife. At this time, hold the squash firmly with the other hand.
You can easily halve the squash with just this.
If you want to cut further from there, attach the tip of the knife to the cutting board, hold the tip of the knife with your hand, and cut the squash for easy cutting.
If it’s too hard to cut, you can easily cut it in the microwave for 5 to 6 minutes.
Reference site:NHKらいふ
Let’s cook a dish using squash!
Contrary to the feeling of cutting squash, it does not take much time to cook because it cooks quickly.
Squash is delicious when boiled or grilled, and delicious when mashed. Please try various squash dishes!
Vave also introduces recipes using squash.
(The image is a Sweet, salty traditional Simmered Japanese Kabocha Squash)
