Potimarron squash sighting in LA?

[Professor Salt]

A friend of ours is living in France and raving about this pumpkin called potimarron. Has anyone seen any in the local farmers' markets?

[LAchowman]

I just bought a red kuri squash at the Vons at the corner of Sunset and Hillhurst. The acorn squash I roasted at the same time paled in comparison. It is going to be soup tomorrow, but I am thinking of getting another one to make a pumpkin (well, squash anyway) pie. Mmmm.

[Harry Nile]

At Bristol Farms today I spotted potimarron squash (labelled red kuri, as noted here and elsewhere on the Web). So I got one and look forward to auditioning it as a possible side dish for the Thanksgiving table this year. Thanks to Professor Salt for bringing potimarron/red kuri/Hokkaido to our attention.

[Professor Salt]

Thanks, Harry. I'll have to head to my local Bristol and see if they has it.

[bad nono]

i actually found some that was unnamed at the Larchmont Farmer's market on Sunday, roasted it and transformed it in soup last night.

[ickster]

I would think one of the specialty produce purveyors at the wholesale produce market at Olympic and Alameda should be carrying it. There are large operations like Melissa's, as well as specialty family run produce shops that sell primarily to markets and the restaurant trade. Its easy enough to drive in and walk around and ask who sells the item in question.

Also, think I saw squash at McGrath Farms up in Ventura previously.

Melissa's: 1.800.588.0151

McGrath Family Farms: 805-983-0333

[Harry Nile]

"Its easy enough to drive in and walk around ...."

Even easier to call XIV, which was putting red kuri squash on the table recently, and ask for the source: [phone].

Keep in mind that clovegarden.com claims, "They are available year round but become common in Southern California produce markets in September," so it shouldn't be too difficult to find.

BTW, I ran across a colorful picture of a tarte au potimarron et au céleri rave at http://www.flickr.com/photos/28757974... I may have to hunt down potimarron myself.

[epop]

aka Hokkaido squash. Check Japanese groceries.

[Professor Salt]

Great, thanks. I'll run over to Mitsuwa at lunch and see if they might have it.

[mollyomormon]

would you report back as to whether you were able to find it? thanks!

[Professor Salt]

Had to skip lunch today due to work demands. I'll hit Mitsuwa later this week and for sure report back, molly-o

[mollyomormon]

thank you!

[Professor Salt]

Went to Mitsuwa Torrance and Marukai Costa Mesa today. No dice.

[epop]

Weird. I've seen them. I have a feeling they're at the farmer's markets as well. Don't worry -- they'll turn up.

[Harry Nile]

Also known as red kuri squash, among other things. It was on Michael Mina's XIV menu during dineLA ( http://discoverlosangeles.com/play/dining/restaurantweek/participating_restaurant_detail.html?id=31079 ). Check http://www.clovegarden.com/ingred/squ... for a picture and description of the squash.

XIV paired it with Jidori chicken. Did anyone here have that plate?

[bad nono]

I miss it a lot. It's called potimarron because the taste is a cross between pumpkin (potiron) and chestnuts (marrons). I've never seen it at any farmers' market around here.