🍱 Hyuuga Kurokawa Kabocha No Nimono

Miyazaki prefecture is blessed with a mild climate and the hours of sunlight it receives is one of the highest in Japan. “Kurokawa Kabocha” (=black-skinned pumpkin) is a specialty of Miyazaki which needs a lot of sunlight to grow and has an impressive glossy black skin. Another name for this pumpkin is “Hyuuga Kabocha” and it is a traditional vegetable that is mentioned in local folk songs and represents the region. In 1907 (Meiji 40), the first pumpkin was cultivated in Miyazaki city, and in 1924 (Taisho 13), a black-skinned variety was introduced from Chiba prefecture, making Miyazaki a major producer of black-skinned pumpkins. The cultivation method is unique in that the pumpkins are grown vertically with the vines crawling on poles, a method known as three-dimensional cultivation. Unlike Western pumpkins, the black-skinned pumpkin has a refreshing flavor, with a mild sweetness and a fine texture on the tongue. Since the pumpkin is not too sweet, its calories are lower than a standard pumpkin. It is popular as a high-quality ingredient in Japanese cuisine, especially in Kyoto. With its elegant sweetness and firmness, this pumpkin is perfect for dishes such as “Hyuuga Kurokawa Kabocha No Nimono”. The skin looks rough but can be eaten as well. The vegetable is rich in beta-carotene and contains vitamins B1, B2, C, and calcium and iron.