Pumpkin Thoughts and Recipes at Kansai Scene

Mix of summer and winter squash at Tokyo's Kinshicho Farmers Market.

Fall is when my thoughts turn to pumpkin or, as they are more commonly known in Japan, to kabocha. That doesn't mean my brain turns to mush (although there are moments...), but rather I start to think of all the wonderful things that can be done with this favorite vegetable. Thankfully, other folks are as interested as I am in this lovely vegetable, and I got the chance to publish this little overview of Japanese pumpkin varieties in the October issue of Kansai Scene. I should also mention the two recipes listed there appear regularly these days on our household menu. Give them a go and let me know what you think!

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Finding Heirloom Seeds in Japan

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Japan Farmers Markets

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