Uchiki Kuri Squash

(Red kuri squash; Hokkaido squash) Traditional Japanese squash now widely grown in America, Mexico and New Zealand for export to Japan. The distinctive tear-shaped fruits are deep orange or red and the flesh is yellow with a pleasant sweet chestnut-like flavour. In fact the kuri part of the name is Japanese for chestnuts. Like other winter squashes it can be baked, boiled, steamed, sauteed or fried. Needs a long warm growing season, about 100 days. Drought tolerant.