Shishigatani
This unique Japanese pumpkin was developed in the Bunka era of the Edo period 1800's. The fruit is uniquely hourglass shaped, like a bottle gourd, and is ribbed and very warty. It is dark green to tan in color. The fine-grained flesh has a delicious, nutty flavor, great in soups and stews. Traditionally believed to keep people from getting paralysis if eaten in the hottest part of summer. Shishigatani pumpkin is a famous vegetable in Kyoto cuisine.
