Tokyo Garden Japanese Pumpkin Seed Mix
Embark on a culinary adventure inspired by the diverse flavors of Japan with our Tokyo Garden Heirloom Pumpkin Seed Mix. This meticulously curated blend brings together four exceptional pumpkin varieties: Chirimen Pumpkin, Shishigatani Pumpkin, Kongiku Pumpkin, and Black Futsu Pumpkin. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a culinary enthusiast, this seed mix promises a harvest that reflects the rich tapestry of Japanese culinary traditions.
This mix includes:
1. **Chirimen Pumpkin Seeds:**
- Esteemed for its sweet and nutty flavor, a favorite in Japanese cuisine.
- Compact vines make it suitable for small spaces or container gardening.
- Rich orange flesh with a smooth texture, perfect for roasting or savory dishes.
2. **Shishigatani Pumpkin Seeds:**
- Traditional Japanese winter squash with a distinctive turban shape.
- Sweet, dense, and flavorful orange flesh, ideal for soups, stews, and tempura.
- Ornamental appeal makes it a delightful addition to your garden and table.
3. **Kongiku Pumpkin Seeds:**
- A unique and rare Japanese heirloom variety.
- Distinctive green skin with sweet and tender orange flesh.
- Versatile for a variety of culinary applications, from roasting to pureeing.
4. **Black Futsu Pumpkin Seeds:**
- An heirloom treasure with a dramatic dark green to black skin.
- Sweet and flavorful golden-orange flesh that intensifies after storage.
Seed count: 10 Chirimen seeds, 10 Black Futsu Seeds, 10 Kongiku seeds, and 10 Shishigatani seeds
Botanic name:
Various
Plant spacing:
36"-48" apart
Color:
All varieties will range from dark green, to mottled green to copper colored, and if left to sun cure, all varieties will be buff in color.
Sowing depth:
1 inch
Sun requirements:
Full sun
Utilization:
Each of the mentioned Japanese pumpkin varieties - Kongiku, Shishigatani, Black Futsu, and Chirimen - has its own unique qualities, flavors, and textures, making them suitable for various culinary applications. Here are some culinary uses for each:
1. **Kongiku Pumpkin:**
- **Roasting:** Kongiku pumpkin's sweet and tender orange flesh makes it ideal for roasting. Cut into chunks, drizzle with olive oil, and roast until caramelized.
- **Pureeing:** Use pureed Kongiku pumpkin in soups, stews, or desserts for a velvety texture and sweet flavor.
- **Tempura:** The firm texture of Kongiku pumpkin makes it well-suited for tempura, a popular Japanese dish where vegetables are coated in a light batter and fried.2. **Shishigatani Pumpkin:**
- **Soups and Stews:** Shishigatani pumpkin's dense, sweet, and flavorful orange flesh is perfect for hearty soups and stews.
- **Tempura:** Similar to Kongiku, Shishigatani can be used in tempura dishes, offering a unique taste and texture.
- **Decorative Use:** Its ornamental shape makes Shishigatani an attractive addition to fall decorations, and it can be used as a serving vessel for soups or dips.3. **Black Futsu Pumpkin:**
- **Roasting and Baking:** Black Futsu pumpkin's unique appearance and sweet, golden-orange flesh make it suitable for roasting, baking, or stuffing.
- **Pureeing:** Puree Black Futsu pumpkin for pies, custards, or other desserts where a rich, sweet flavor is desired.
- **Sautéing:** Cube and sauté Black Futsu for a flavorful side dish or mix it into savory recipes.4. **Chirimen Pumpkin:**
- **Roasting:** Chirimen pumpkin's sweet and nutty flavor makes it well-suited for roasting. It can be seasoned with herbs or spices for added complexity.
- **Sautéing:** Cube and sauté Chirimen pumpkin for a quick and tasty side dish or incorporate it into stir-fries.
- **Savory Dishes:** Chirimen pumpkin's smooth texture lends itself well to savory dishes, such as curries, casseroles, or gratins.Experimenting with these pumpkin varieties in different recipes will allow you to appreciate the unique qualities of each and add a touch of Japanese culinary flair to your dishes.
Frost hardy:
No
Maturity days:
85-105 days
Life cycle:
Annual
Can I start indoors:
Yes
Container friendly:
Not recomended
Other names:
White Boer Pumpkin, Flat White Pumpkin
Vine Habit:
Full vines
Disease and pest resistance:
Maschata varieties have some resistance to squash vine borer
